Hundreds of pilgrims die due to intense heat during hajj

At least 550 pilgrims died during the hajj in Saudi Arabia this year, according to diplomats.

At least 323 of those who died were Egyptians, most of them succumbing to heat-related illnesses.

At least 60 Jordanians died, as well as 35 pilgrims from Tunisia, 11 Iranians, at least 5 piligrims from Marocco.

Temperatures hit 51.8°C at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Saudi national meteorology centre said.

Earlier, Egypt's foreign ministry said Cairo was collaborating with Saudi authorities on search operations for Egyptians who had gone missing during the hajj.

On Sunday, Saudi authorities have reported treating more than 2,000 pilgrims suffering from heat stress.

Around 1.8 million pilgrims took part in the hajj this year, 1.6 million of them from abroad, according to Saudi authorities.