Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee Prince Mohammed bin Naif has approved the general plan for implementation of Civil Defense works in emergency cases during the current Haj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Commenting on the plan, Director General of Civil Defense Lt. General Sulaiman bin Abdullah Al-Amr said the plan aims to take all measures to ensure the safety of the guests of Allah in all Haj rituals.
The plan also intends to acquire capabilities to contain potential risks which could expose this spiritual and large gathering to dangers, he said.
Gen. Al-Amr said the plan includes all assumptions and measures seen necessary by the Civil Defense to counter perceived risks of fire, rain, natural, industrial, health and environmental risks in Makkah, Madinah and holy sites.
Other risks may include power and telecommunications cuts, chemical, biological and radiological contamination, spread of epidemic diseases among Hajis, and stampedes in areas witnessing huge crowds, he said.
On the volume of human and equipment joining the plan during the current Haj season, Gen. Al-Amr said it will include more than 17,600 Civil Defense officers and civilian employees. They are supported by more than 3,800 items of machinery and equipment, he said.
