The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, resulted in the tragic deaths of over 1,300 individuals amid soaring temperatures exceeding 50°C. The majority of the deceased were unauthorized pilgrims who braved the severe heat, prompting recommendations for precautionary measures and swift medical response.
Hajj Pilgrimage Sees Over 1,300 Fatalities Amid Extreme Heat
More than 1,300 individuals died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, this year as temperatures soared to over 50°C. The Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel announced the fatalities on June 23, 2024, highlighting that 83% of the deceased were unauthorized pilgrims who trekked long distances in severe heat.
The annual pilgrimage, which took place from June 14 to June 19, 2024, saw the participation of over 1.8 million people. Thousands of attendees were treated for heatstroke, with some requiring airlift to hospitals in Riyadh.
Among the deceased were over 660 Egyptians, the majority of whom were unauthorized pilgrims facilitated by revoked travel agencies. Hajj officials recommended precautionary measures such as carrying umbrellas and staying hydrated. The Saudi army deployed over 1,600 personnel and 30 rapid response teams to address heatstroke cases.
