At least 600 Hajj pilgrims have died due to extreme heat, according to estimates from Jordan, Tunisia, Iran, and Indonesia. The actual death toll may be higher as many pilgrims are still missing and thousands have suffered from heat exhaustion.
Around 1.8 million pilgrims participated in this year’s Hajj during Eid Al Adha, with tens of thousands completing the final rites in Makkah.
Egypt is coordinating with Saudi authorities to locate missing citizens and has set up an emergency hotline for concerned families.
Saudi health authorities had warned of dangerously high temperatures, reaching 51.8°C, and urged pilgrims to avoid direct sun exposure between 11am and 4pm. On Sunday alone, 2,700 people suffered heat exhaustion.
The Ministry of Health advised pilgrims to use umbrellas, stay hydrated, and follow health instructions to protect themselves from the heat.