Horror as at least 550 pilgrims die from blazing 50C heat in Mecca

19 June 2024 , 09:00

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Hundreds of people have died during this year's holy pilgrimage (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Hundreds of pilgrims have died from huge 50C temperatures in the city of Mecca.

Many pilgrims, particularly elderly ones, collapsed and required medical help in the extreme heat. It has been reported as many as 577 people have died as a result of the conditions, according to a local morgue. Others are feared to have been killed in a crush at the holy site.

Local media said more than 300 of the victims were Egyptian pilgrims, 60 were from Jordan and 35 from Tunisia. Several other people have also not been accounted for while performing the rituals. Saudi authorities are yet to provide the final death tally during this year's Hajj. The latest update on Sunday said as many as 2,000 people were suffering from sunstroke.

Thousands of people are said to have been affected by the heat (AFP via Getty Images)

Some victims were found in hospitals around Mecca, after collapsing from the heat. The Saudi national meteorology centre said the mercury at the Grand Mosque in Mecca hit 51.8C. Over the last three decades hundreds of people have been killed in stampedes, tent fires and other accidents.

It comes as pilgrims ended the Hajj with the third day of the symbolic stoning of the devil, and the last circumambulation around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, in Mecca. Pilgrim Mejahed al-Mehrabi, from Yemen, said: "I am reassured. I feel comfortable. Anyone who can visit the Grand Mosque (in Mecca) should do so."

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People had been warned to take action in the heat (AFP via Getty Images)

Millions of people take part in the annual pilgrimage to Mecca to take part in religious rites, as taught 14 centuries ago. Many tried to protect themselves from the heat using umbrellas, while pilgrims were warned to stay hydrated during the extreme heat.

Fahd bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jalajel said: "Thanks to Allah, and with the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the close follow-up of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, I am pleased to announce the success of the health plans for this year's Haj season."

Antony Clements-Thrower