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The recent storm in Mecca, one of the most powerful in recent memory, caused a significant disruption around the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, the focal point of Muslim prayer worldwide. As torrential rain and fierce winds swept across the city, millions of pilgrims found themselves facing unexpected challenges in performing their sacred rituals. Despite the chaos, the event has also brought attention to the resilience of the pilgrims, the rapid response of Saudi authorities, and the ongoing need to safeguard the holy city against such unpredictable weather events. The Grand Mosque, or Masjid al-Haram, covers an expansive area and is designed to host millions of visitors during the annual Hajj pilgrimage and throughout the year for Umrah. The Kaaba, located at the mosque’s centre, is the direction towards which all Muslims pray. When the storm struck, the heavy rain turned the courtyard surrounding the Kaaba into a shallow lake, with water rising rapidly in some parts. The marble floors became treacherously slippery, making it difficult for many pilgrims to continue their Tawaf — the act of walking seven times around the Kaaba, a key part of their pilgrimage.
