The deaths occurred as temperatures soared to 48°C in the open, with most rituals taking place outdoors with minimal, if any, shade.
Authorities have reported that at least 14 Jordanians have died and 17 are missing during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Jordan’s foreign ministry stated that the country is collaborating with Saudi Arabia to arrange burials and transport for the relatives.
This follows reports from the previous day of several pilgrims dying from heat stroke as temperatures soared to 48°C (118°F) in the open.
Security forces and medics were dispatched to assist those who collapsed. In past years, hundreds died in stampedes, but safety has since improved.
All Muslims must perform the Hajj once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.
Many wealthy Muslims undertake the pilgrimage multiple times.
According to Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan al Rabiah, over 1.8 million Muslims participated in Hajj in 2024. Most of the Hajj rituals take place outdoors with minimal shade. This year’s five-day pilgrimage occurred during Saudi Arabia’s intense summer heat. Many pilgrims used umbrellas to shield themselves from the intense sun.
This occurred amidst the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas conflict, which has brought the Middle East to the brink of regional warfare.
