Haj 2024: 1,301 pilgrims died of heat; 83% of them were unauthorised, says Saudi Health Ministry

Saudi Arabia said Sunday that more than 1,300 faithful died during the Haj pilgrimage which took place during intense heat, and that most of the deceased did not have official permits.

"Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301, with 83 per cent being unauthorised to perform Haj and having walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort," the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

The pilgrims were exposed to heat for long periods of time without adequate shelter or rest. Temperatures in Makkah this year climbed as high as 51.8℃, according to Saudi Arabia's national meteorological centre.

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The dead came from more than 10 countries stretching from the United States to Indonesia, and some governments are continuing to update their totals.

The Saudi health ministry had issued advisories during the Haj season, warning of soaring temperatures and advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours. Last year, the pilgrimage saw thousands of cases of heat stress.

Saudi Arabia implemented heat mitigation measures, including climate-controlled areas. Water was distributed and pilgrims were advised on protecting themselves from the sun.

The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam that all Muslims with the means must complete at least once in their lives.

Saudi officials have said 1.8 million pilgrims took part this year, a similar number to last year, and that 1.6 million came from abroad.

For the past several years the mainly outdoor rituals have fallen during the sweltering Saudi summer.

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