Hundreds of Hajj pilgrims have died due to extreme heat during annual trek

Hundreds of Muslim pilgrims have died this summer on their journey to Mecca as part of the Hajj, because of extreme heat conditions in the Saudi Arabian desert.  

Saudi Arabian officials reported that more than 1.8 million Muslims took part in the five-day pilgrimage to Mecca, which is considered Islam's holiest city. The trek is one of the five pillars of Islam, and Muslim people who are able need to complete the Hajj at least once in their life. It includes a gathering at Mount Arafat and where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his last sermon.

The official death count is just under 500, according to CNN, after government officials reported 14 Malaysians, 165 Indonesians, 75 Jordanians, 35 Pakistanis, 49 Tunisians, 11 Iranians, and 98 Indians have died. But as many as 1,100 pilgrims could be dead, because the number does not include the death toll for Egypt, and reports claim as many as 600 Egyptians are missing. 

Saudi Arabia has also not released its death toll so far.

The deaths come after temperatures in the Middle Eastern country rose to more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Pilgrims that register for the trek have access to air-conditioned facilities and water stations, according to Fox News. But thousands of unregistered participants also make the trip each year.

Thousands of other participants were also hospitalized this year because of heat stroke and other heat related illnesses.

Hajj officials said they asked pilgrims to carry umbrellas and water to keep hydrated and sheltered from the sun, and the Saudi Arabia army also deployed approximately 1,600 personnel with medical units to help with heatstroke. Another 30 rapid response teams and 5,000 medical volunteers also helped out.

The Hajj, which follows the Islamic calendar, may not be as hot next year because the journey will take place earlier in June.