Saudi Arabia seeks to prevent heat deaths as Hajj pilgrimage begins9 hours ago Share Save David Gritten BBC News Share SaveSaudi Press Agency/Handout via Reuters Saudi authorities have urged pilgrims to follow strict guidelines to mitigate the effects of the intense heat, including using umbrellasMore than 1.4 million Muslims have begun this year's Hajj pilgrimage in the Saudi holy city of Mecca, a year after 1,300 people died, mostly due to the extreme heat. Saudi authorities say they have stepped up safety precautions for the annual event. They have planted thousands of trees and installed hundreds of cooling units to help alleviate temperatures forecast to reach 44C (111F). Many Muslims cannot afford an official Hajj package - which can cost from $4,000 to $20,000 depending on their country of origin, length of stay and level of comfort - and so enter the Gulf kingdom on tourist or visitor visas. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via Reuters The cooling system in Mecca's Grand Mosque is reportedly the largest in the world