Over 550 Hajj Pilgrims Die in Mecca Amid Extreme Heat

More than 550 pilgrims have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, as temperatures soared past 50°C (122°F). Of the deceased, at least 323 were Egyptians, with the majority succumbing to heat-related illnesses, according to Arab diplomats.

The Egyptian fatalities, confirmed by morgue records in Mecca’s Al-Muaisem neighborhood, included one death from a minor crowd crush. Additionally, at least 60 Jordanians have died, an increase from an earlier report of 41 by Amman officials. The overall death toll, compiled from various sources, now stands at 577.

Saudi authorities reported treating over 2,000 pilgrims for heat stress, but no updated figures on fatalities have been provided since Sunday. Last year, at least 240 pilgrims died, predominantly Indonesians.

The Hajj, a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims, is increasingly impacted by climate change. A Saudi study highlighted that temperatures in the area are rising by 0.4°C each decade. This year, temperatures reached 51.8°C at Mecca's Grand Mosque on Monday.

Approximately 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the Hajj this year, with 1.6 million from abroad. Many unregistered pilgrims, who lack access to air-conditioned facilities, were among those who perished. Saudi officials had earlier removed hundreds of thousands of these unregistered pilgrims from Mecca.

Despite the extreme conditions, Saudi health authorities claimed success in preventing major disease outbreaks, with a virtual hospital providing over 5,800 consultations, mainly for heat-related issues.

The Hajj is a significant event for the Saudi royal family, with King Salman holding the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" in Mecca and Medina. The Saudi health minister praised the implementation of health plans for the pilgrimage, ensuring the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.