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

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."

Meanwhile, Iranian Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand said that five pilgrims died in Mecca and Medina. The reason behind these deaths was


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 reported that temperatures in Saudi Arabia have pushed well past 40 degrees Celsius during the Hajj this year. Around 1.8 million Muslims are taking part in the annual pilgrimage this time.


Authorities in Saudi Arabia have implemented heat mitigation measures, including climate-controlled areas. They also distribute water and offer advice 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 per figures announced by various countries, who also did not specify the cause of the deaths.

10,000 heat-related illnesses were recorded last year, 10 per cent of them being heat stroke.