14 Jordanian Hajj pilgrims succumb to heatwave, 17 missing in Saudi Arabia

New Delhi: At least 14 Jordanian pilgrims have tragically lost their lives during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to severe heat conditions, Jordan's foreign ministry confirmed on Sunday. An additional 17 pilgrims are reported missing amid the extreme heat wave affecting the region, according to AFP.

What Foreign ministry said? 

The ministry stated that the deceased Jordanians suffered fatal strokes as a result of the intense heat, emphasizing that efforts are underway to coordinate with Saudi authorities for burial arrangements in Saudi Arabia or repatriation to Jordan.

Heatwave casualties 

Iran also reported casualties among its pilgrims, with five Iranian nationals confirmed dead during the Hajj, though the specific cause of their deaths was not disclosed.

Pilgrims suffered from suntroke 

Saudi Arabia has not yet issued an official statement regarding the fatalities. However, Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, spokesperson for the Saudi Health Ministry, disclosed that over 2,760 pilgrims had suffered from sunstroke and heat-related issues on Sunday alone. He cautioned pilgrims to avoid outdoor activities during peak sun hours and to stay adequately hydrated. "Heat stress remains our greatest concern," Al-Abdulaali emphasized. 

Mecca maximum temperature recorded 

Meteorological reports indicate that temperatures in Mecca are expected to soar to 47 degrees Celsius on Monday, adding to the challenges faced by pilgrims during this year's Hajj, which concludes on Wednesday. The Hajj is renowned as one of the largest annual gatherings globally, with more than 1.8 million participants expected this year, according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics.

240 lost their lives in Mecca

During last year's Hajj, over 240 individuals, predominantly from Indonesia, lost their lives, with many cases linked to heat-related issues. Over 2,000 participants also suffered from heat stress during the event.

A Saudi official previously reported that more than 10,000 heat-related illnesses were documented during last year's Hajj, with approximately 10% of cases categorized as heatstroke.