Makkah schools will be used as shelters in the event of any emergency during the Haj season. The tactic forms part of a sweeping emergency plan drawn up by authorities to deal with any threat to pilgrims. Altogether Haj security plans have detailed 40 sorting locations for medical evacuation at Al-Jamarat Bridge. These include six buildings in the “experimental housing” project, tent camps in Al-Mu'aissim, Arafat, and Muzdalifa and 33 seasonal units leading into Makkah. “We are ready to cope with all probable hazards including that of flood. Monitoring systems, data processing and Geographic Information Systems will be used to analyze all potential threats,” said Maj. Gen. Adel Zamzami, Director of Civil Defense in Makkah region, Al-Watan newspaper reported. Haj plans will also see heightened safety measures at King Abdul Aziz International Airport and the residences of Haj pilgrims. The Civil Defense in Makkah region will work with authorities to receive pilgrims and ensure their safety.
