Over 550 pilgrims died in Mecca’s scorching heat during Hajj, Sky News reports on June 19th.

Shade temperatures soar to 51.8C in Mecca amid massive crowds for annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of Islam’s Five Pillars.

Hajj is a difficult task, so you have to exert efforts and perform the rituals even in the conditions of heat and crowding,

– one pilgrim from Egypt said.

Pilgrims at the Hajj this year have been using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun, following warnings from Saudi authorities advising them to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure between 11am and 3pm, the hottest hours of the day.

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Over the past three decades, incidents including stampedes, tent fires, and other accidents have tragically claimed hundreds of lives during the Hajj. Last year alone, around 240 individuals reportedly lost their lives.

The annual pilgrimage commenced on Friday, June 14th, coinciding as usual with the religious festival Eid al-Adha.

Sky News and agencies