Heatwave claims 550 Hajj pilgrims as mercury soars to 50°C at Mecca

Even as millions of pilgrims congregated for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca – a once-in-a-lifetime duty for able-bodied Muslims who can afford it, unfortunately 550 people lost their lives due to the extreme heat. (AP)

While Saudi authorities have not yet released a death toll for this year's Hajj, reports indicate at least 323 Egyptians, 41 Jordanians, and 35 Tunisians have died from heat-related illnesses. (AP)

On June 18, the Saudi National Center for Meteorology announced that the temperature had touched a blistering 47°C in Mecca and its surrounding sites. (AP)

Pilgrims used umbrellas for sun protection as Saudi authorities advised them to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (AP)

Many pilgrims, especially the elderly, collapsed and needed medical assistance due to the heat. Dozens reportedly died from sunstroke, while families searched for missing relatives in Saudi hospitals. (AP)

Pilgrims wrapped up the Hajj amid the deadly summer heat on June 18 on the third day of the symbolic stoning of the devil, and the last circumambulation around the Kaaba. (AP)

The Hajj concluded on Eid al-Adha, when Muslims commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith by slaughtering livestock and distributing meat to the poor. (AP)

Over 1.83 million Muslims performed Hajj in 2024, including more than 16 lakh pilgrims from 22 countries, and over two lakh Saudi citizens, Saudi Hajj authorities said. (REUTERS)