Photo: Saudi Arabia’s Mecca experienced high temperatures on the 16th, and many pilgrims suffered from heat stroke. \AFP

Saudi Arabia has seen a recent spike in temperatures, with the holy city of Mecca recording a high of 47 degrees Celsius on Sunday. At least 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims died during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the 16th saying that the number of Jordanian citizens who died during the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has risen to 14, and another 17 are missing. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed that the 14 people died “due to heat stroke due to extreme heat waves.” The Iranian Red Crescent Society revealed on Sunday that five Iranian pilgrims died in Mecca and Medina, but did not disclose the specific cause of death, which may be related to heat stroke.

This year, about 1.8 million Muslims will go to Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia has previously issued a high temperature warning, saying that during this year’s pilgrimage, the average temperature in Mecca and Medina will be 1.5℃ to 2℃ higher than normal, with the temperature in Mecca reaching 47℃ on Sunday. Many rituals are completed outdoors on foot, which is a huge challenge for the elderly.

Saudi officials said that as part of the heatstroke prevention and cooling measures, many cooling zones were set up this year, water was distributed to pilgrims, and advice was provided on how to protect against the sun. The Saudi military has deployed more than 1,600 personnel, including medical departments specializing in heatstroke treatment and 30 rapid response teams, and about 5,000 health and emergency volunteers are involved in the Hajj security work. The Saudi Ministry of Health issued a recommendation on social media on the 15th, calling on pilgrims to use umbrellas, drink plenty of water, and avoid outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

At least 240 people died during last year’s pilgrimage and there were more than 10,000 cases of heat-related illness, 10% of which were heat stroke.