At least 13 Iranian nationals died while performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid rising temperatures in the holy cities, Iranian state media reported Saturday.

“As of Friday, June 6, the total number of Iranian pilgrims who have passed away during Hajj 2025 has reached 13,” the health and treatment operations unit of Iranian Red Crescent Society said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency.

The statement did not specify the cause of deaths but cautioned the pilgrims to avoid direct exposure to the sun and drink plenty of water among other things to reduce the risk of heatstroke.

“In recent days, temperatures in the holy cities of Saudi Arabia have risen to 47°C, which can lead to severe heatstroke among pilgrims,” IRNA said, adding that 86,700 Iranians went to Saudi Arabia this year for the pilgrimage.

Last year, more than 1,300 people — including 22 Iranians — died at the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia where temperatures hit 51.8C (125 degrees Fahrenheit).

Heat stress occurs when the body’s natural cooling systems are overwhelmed, causing symptoms ranging from dizziness and headaches to organ failure and death.

The statement on Saturday also advised pilgrims to avoid direct sun exposure, stay hydrated and take other precautions to reduce the risk of heatstroke.

Climate change is driving an increasing number of deadly heatwaves across the globe with the World Health Organisation estimating that heat kills at least half a million people every year, warning that the real figure could be up to 30 times higher. (AFP: Text, Excluding Headline)

•FILE: Muslims perform the Eid al-Adha morning prayer around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca, on the first day of the holiday marking the end of the hajj pilgrimage, on June 16, 2024. (Photo by AFP)