At least 14 Jordanian citizens have tragically lost their lives during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to a severe heatwave, Jordanian officials announced. The scorching temperatures also led to the reported deaths of five Iranian pilgrims. Additionally, 17 Jordanian nationals remain missing.

According to Jordan's foreign ministry, the 14 Jordanian fatalities were a result of sunstroke caused by the extreme heat wave. Their bodies are being searched for diligently as authorities work to locate the missing individuals. The Iranian Red Crescent confirmed the deaths of five Iranian pilgrims but did not provide further details regarding the circumstances of their demise.

The Jordanian foreign ministry is coordinating efforts with Saudi authorities to bury or transport the bodies of the deceased in accordance with the wishes of their families.

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the largest gatherings in the world, attracting over 1.8 million pilgrims this year, as per Saudi officials. However, it has been marred by various deadly incidents, including stampedes and tent fires. Despite safety measures, the primary challenge continues to be the intense heat experienced during the pilgrimage.

Temperatures in the region exceeded 46°C (114.8°F) this week, making it particularly arduous for participants, especially the elderly. Ayman Ghulam, the head of the Saudi national meteorology center, had previously warned of temperatures 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal in Mecca and Medina, the focal points of the five-day Hajj pilgrimage.

A treatment center near Mount Arafat reported 225 cases of heat stress, highlighting the physical toll endured by pilgrims. Neron Khan, a Canadian pilgrim, spoke about her experience, stating that she had encountered "some sort of heat exhaustion situation" during some of the rituals.

Saudi officials have implemented heat mitigation measures, including setting up climate-controlled areas, distributing water, and providing guidance to pilgrims on how to protect themselves from the heat. The Saudi health ministry has issued an advisory, urging pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, between 10:00 and 16:00.

Last year, the Hajj pilgrimage resulted in the deaths of at least 240 people. The worst catastrophe occurred in 2015 when a deadly stampede claimed the lives of over 2,000 pilgrims.

The Hajj pilgrimage is set to conclude on Wednesday. Meanwhile, more than a thousand pilgrims are expected to travel through Manchester Airport to embark on the sacred journey to the city of Mecca.

Despite the challenges posed by the heatwave, pilgrims remain determined to complete their spiritual obligations amidst the physically demanding conditions.