During this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, over 1,000 pilgrims have died, primarily due to extreme heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 51.8°C (125°F) in Mecca. The deaths included many unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to cooler, air-conditioned spaces. Notable fatalities included 630 Egyptians and 183 Indonesians among others. The pilgrimage drew 1.8 million participants, with many from low-income nations. Saudi authorities reported thousands of cases of heat exhaustion and have begun the burial process for the deceased. The Hajj pilgrimage, a core pillar of Islam, faced severe challenges this year due to the intense heat.
Over 1,000 Pilgrims Die in Extreme Heat During Hajj in Saudi Arabia
The death toll rises to over 1,000 during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as pilgrims face extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 51.8°C in Mecca. Many of the deceased were unregistered pilgrims from low-income nations who lacked access to cooling facilities. Thousands also suffered from heat exhaustion, posing severe challenges to the annual Islamic pilgrimage.