Over 1,000 Pilgrims Succumb During 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia

Officials report more than 1,000 pilgrims died during this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia, with extreme high temperatures at the holy sites cited as a major factor. Majority of the casualties were from Egypt, with others from various countries. The Egyptian government takes action against unauthorized pilgrimages.

Over 1,000 Pilgrims Succumb During 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia

More than 1,000 pilgrims died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, officials reported on Sunday. The extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom contributed significantly to the fatalities. Among the deceased, over half were from Egypt, with other casualties identified from Indonesia, India, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Malaysia, and two from the United States.

Egyptian authorities stated that 31 deaths were attributed to chronic diseases among authorized pilgrims, while an additional 630 unauthorized pilgrims who traveled on visit visas were reported dead, most found in a Mecca morgue. The Egyptian government revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies that facilitated unauthorized pilgrimages and referred their officials for prosecution.

During the Hajj, which saw over 1.8 million participants, temperatures in Mecca ranged from 117°F to 120°F according to the Saudi National Center for Meteorology. The high heat led to several pilgrims fainting during key rituals. Saudi authorities have not commented officially on the deaths.