Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia and the Expatriates Directorate of Operations and Consular Affairs reported 14 Jordanian and 5 Iranian pilgrims dead and 17 missing during Hajj.
Expect temperatures in Makkah to hit 47℃ on Monday, according to the government, which means that heat was a contributing factor in a minimum of six deaths.
Ambassador Sufian Qudah, Head of the Directorate of Operations and Consular Affairs, told Jordan News Agency that the ministry is working with Saudi authorities to bury pilgrims or transport their bodies to their nations as soon as possible.
“Five Iranian pilgrims have lost their lives so far in Mecca and Medina during the hajj this year,” said Iranian Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand, without specifying the cause of death.
Further, they are continuing their hunt for the 17 pilgrims who disappeared without a trace.
On Thursday, the Saudi Ministry of Health issued a warning about the approaching heat wave, urging pilgrims to drink plenty of water and remain indoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
A total of 1.83 pilgrims are performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia for 2024.
Saudi Arabia warns pilgrims to expect average high temperatures of 44℃ during the Hajj. Last year hundreds of heat stress cases were observed.
Saudi Arabia comprises climate-controlled spaces to reduce heat. It provides water and advises pilgrims about sun protection.
