550 pilgrims die this year

At least 550 people have died during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca amid scorching heat, diplomats have confirmed.

Of the dead, three hundred and twenty-three were Egyptians, most of whom perished due to heat-related illness.

Temperatures reached 51.8 degrees Celsius in the shade of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi state TV said on Monday.

The hajj is an annual pilgrimage that millions of Muslims make to Mecca to perform religious rites as taught by the Prophet Mohammad to his followers 14 centuries ago.

Stampedes, tent fires and other accidents have caused hundreds of deaths during hajj to Saudi Arabia in the past 30 years. The pilgrimage began on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies)