Hajj 2024: At least 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia as temperatures soar

At least 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims died while on the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, authorities from both countries said on Sunday (June 16). In a statement, Jordan's foreign ministry said that 14 pilgrims died and 17 others were missing during the performance of Hajj.

The reason behind the 14 pilgrims dying was earlier not known until the ministry confirmed that they died "after suffering sunstroke due to the extreme heat wave."

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Meanwhile,Iranian Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand said that five pilgrims died in Mecca and Medina. The reason behind these deaths was not yet known.So far, Saudi Arabia has not commented on the 19 deaths, a report by the news agency AFP said.

Hajj, one of the world's biggest religious gatherings, is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims with the means must perform it at least once.

Temperatures well past 40°C

AFP reportedthat temperatures in Saudi Arabiahave pushed well past 40 degrees Celsius during the Hajj this year. Around1.8 million Muslims are taking part in the annual pilgrimage this time.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia haveimplemented heat mitigation measures, including climate-controlled areas. They also distribute water and offeradvice to pilgrims on protecting themselves from the sun.

At least 240 pilgrims died in 2023

In the 2023 Hajj, at least 240 people - mostly from Indonesia - died, as perfigures announced by various countries, who also did not specify the causeof the deaths.

Earlier this week, a Saudi official told AFP that more than 10,000 heat-related illnesses were recorded last year, 10 per cent of them being heat stroke.

(With inputs from agencies)