Hajj 2024: Deadly heatwave in Saudi Arabia kills 577 pilgrims

Riyadh: Extreme temperatures of around 52 degrees Celsius caused hundreds of deaths during the annual Hajj 2024 pilgrimage as more than 1.8 million people thronged the kingdom this year.

As per the details, Amid the sweltering weather, pilgrims used umbrellas for shade, while the Saudi government urged people to stay hydrated and avoid going out in the scorching heat.

This year the Hajj began on Friday, and was followed by Eid al-Adha, the key Islamic festival. It is known that 550 people lost their lives due to extreme heat in the kingdom. Of these, 323 were Egyptians, most of whom succumbed to heat-related illnesses.

On the second day of the stoning ceremony in the city of Mina, Saudi Arabia, Muslim pilgrims continued their journey despite extreme temperatures.

Despite the large number of casualties, the authorities did not see any unusual deaths among the pilgrims. The ministry treated hundreds of pilgrims for heat-related illnesses at that time.