PostHeaderIcon 2.5 million Muslims on a pilgrimage to Mecca



About 2.5 Islamists have arrived in Mecca, Saudi Arabia to participate in the annual pilgrimage amidst fears of swine flu and possibility of stampede. The holy ritual of Muslim believers coming together annually doesn’t come without risks. At least 4 people were reported to have died of H1N1 flu. There were deaths from panicked jostling, pushing, and trampling which marred past observances of the religious tradition.

Three years ago, 364 people died after a stampede broke at the entrance of the crowded Jamarat bridge, east of Mecca. A total of 1,426 pilgrims lost their lives after being trampled on in a fatal stampede in the crowded tunnel in Mina.

To avoid a repeat of tragedies, about 100,000 security men were called to manage the peace and order of the place. Hundreds of cameras were set up to watch the conduct of the religious celebration. An extimated 20,000 healthcare personnel were made available to give medical services to the pilgrims. A 300,000 square meter expansion of the site had been on the works to accommodate a million more visitors to the religious site.(Photo Credit: Life.com) =0=

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