According to Arab diplomats managing their countries' responses, at least 323 of the deceased were Egyptians, with the majority succumbing to heat-related ailments.
Diplomats revealed on Tuesday that more than 550 pilgrims lost their lives during this year's hajj pilgrimage, highlighting the arduous conditions exacerbated by extreme temperatures.
According to Arab diplomats managing their countries' responses, at least 323 of the deceased were Egyptians, with the majority succumbing to heat-related ailments.
The diplomats clarified that the fatalities included 60 Jordanians, an increase from earlier figures released by Amman, bringing the total reported deaths to 577 across multiple nations, as per AFP's tally.
The figure of 550 deaths was confirmed by diplomats citing the morgue in Al-Muaisem neighbourhood, one of Mecca's largest facilities.
The hajj, a fundamental pillar of Islam, requires completion at least once by Muslims with the means to undertake the journey.
However, climate change is increasingly impacting the pilgrimage, with a recent Saudi study indicating a rise in temperatures by 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade in areas where rituals are performed.
On Monday, temperatures soared to 51.8 degrees Celsius at Mecca's Grand Mosque, according to the Saudi national metrology centre, highlighting the severe heat stress endured by pilgrims.
Earlier in the day, Egypt's foreign ministry announced its collaboration with Saudi authorities in search operations for missing Egyptian pilgrims, without specifying if any had been among the casualties.
Saudi health authorities reported treating over 2,000 pilgrims for heat-related stress, although updates on fatalities were not provided since Sunday.
Last year, various countries reported 240 pilgrim deaths, predominantly Indonesians. AFP journalists in Mina, outside Mecca, observed volunteers aiding pilgrims with cold drinks and ice cream amid sweltering conditions.
Saudi officials had advised pilgrims to use umbrellas, stay hydrated, and avoid direct sun exposure during peak daytime hours. However, challenges persisted, with reports of overwhelmed emergency services and pilgrims encountering difficulties.
This year, approximately 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the hajj, including 1.6 million from abroad, according to Saudi authorities. The influx, compounded by unregistered pilgrims attempting the hajj through unofficial channels, posed additional risks due to lack of access to essential facilities.
An Egyptian official overseeing the hajj mission attributed a significant number of Egyptian deaths to unregistered pilgrims, highlighting chaotic conditions and inadequate services in their camps.
Despite these challenges, Saudi health officials reported successful implementation of health plans, minimising major health threats during the pilgrimage.