Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the minister of interior and chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, has approved the general plan for implementation of Civil Defense works in emergency cases during this year's Hajj season.
Lt. General Sulaiman bin Abdullah Al-Amr, Director General of Civil Defense, explained that the plan aims to take all measures to ensure the safety of the guests of Allah in all Hajj rituals. He added, the plan also intends to acquire capabilities to contain potential risks that could expose this spiritual and large gathering to hazards.
The director general of civil defense noted out that 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, Al-Madinah and the holy sites.
Other risks may include power and telecommunications cuts, chemical, biological and radiological contamination, spread of epidemic diseases among pilgrims, and stampedes in areas witnessing huge crowds, he said.
On the volume of human and equipment joining the plan during this year's Hajj season, Lt. Gen. Al-Amr said it will include more than 17,600 Civil Defense officers and civilian employees, adding that they are supported by more than 3,800 items of machinery and equipment.