Heatwave Tragedy: Over 1,300 Pilgrims Die During Hajj in Saudi Arabia

Over 1,300 pilgrims died during this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia due to extreme heat, with the majority being unauthorized pilgrims. Many deaths were recorded in Mecca, including over 660 Egyptians. Various travel agencies have been penalized for facilitating unauthorized travel. Climate change poses further risks for future pilgrimages.

In a tragic turn of events, more than 1,300 pilgrims perished during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, as extreme heat took a deadly toll on the faithful, Saudi authorities confirmed Sunday.

Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel revealed that 83% of the 1,301 deaths were unauthorized pilgrims who braved the scorching temperatures to reach Islamic holy sites in and around Mecca.

The fatalities included over 660 Egyptians, a majority of whom were unauthorized pilgrims. Egyptian authorities have revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies involved in facilitating these unauthorized journeys.