At least 1,301 people died from heat during Hajj – Saudi health minister

At least 1,301 pilgrims have died during this year’s Hajj season, Saudi Health Minister Fahd al-Jalajel has said. Speaking on Sunday, Al-Jalajel said that the majority of those who died ‘walked long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort, including several elderly and chronically ill individuals.’ He added that health centers in the country had provided medical care to almost 500,000 pilgrims. Around 1.8 million people are thought to have taken part in this year’s pilgrimage, which took place during an intense heatwave; temperatures at times exceeded 50C (122F). Many of those who died did not have official permits to enter Saudi Arabia, so made the trip with no access to facilities such as air-conditioned tents or official Hajj transport.