The death toll in Hajj – an Islamic pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia – has reached over 1,000 due to extreme heat.
The Federal Government has confirmed the death toll in Hajj includes an Australian.
Hundreds of others have been treated for heatstroke in temperatures around 50°C.
Millions of Muslims take part in the annual pilgrimage through the Saudi desert to Mecca (or Makkah).
Here’s the latest.
Hajj
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. The religion calls on every Muslim to make the sacred pilgrimage during their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.
This year, Hajj took place between 14 and 19 June. Pilgrims typically walk between 5 to 15 kilometres a day around Mecca, Islam’s most holy city.
There is a history of extreme heat and stampedes causing deaths during Hajj.
An estimated 2,000 pilgrims died in the 2015 Mina Stampede.
Death toll
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed the death of an Australian in Saudi Arabia.
It said it was assisting the impacted family.
A DFAT spokesperson said: “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.”
The death toll of this year’s Hajj has reached as many as 1,000 pilgrims from around ten countries. It comes after temperatures reached 51.8°C in Mecca.
The death toll reportedly includes over 600 people from Egypt. The country’s consulate in Saudi Arabia said it was working to provide support to bury Egyptian pilgrims who have died.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP) around 60 Pakistani pilgrims have died. Indonesian authorities told AFP that more than 180 of its pilgrims have died.
