At least 19 pilgrims from Jordan and Iran have perished during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia on Sunday amid escalating temperatures.
Jordan’s foreign ministry disclosed, “14 Jordanian pilgrims died, and 17 others remain unaccounted for” during Hajj rituals, without clarifying the causes of death.
Pirhossein Koolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent, stated, “Five Iranian pilgrims have died in Mecca and Medina during this year’s Hajj,” also leaving the causes unspecified.
The Hajj, a central religious duty in Islam, draws approximately 1.8 million Muslims annually. This year, they face temperatures exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The conditions are particularly strenuous for older attendees performing many rituals outdoors on foot.
While not detailing specific fatalities, Saudi authorities have introduced several heat mitigation strategies. These include climate-controlled areas, water distribution, and sun protection guidance for pilgrims. Last year, the Hajj saw 240 deaths and over 10,000 heat-related illnesses, with 10% being cases of heat stroke, as noted by a Saudi official.
