MAKKAH – Over 2,100 Civil Defense personnel have been deployed to Arafat to deal with any emergency that might occur on the ninth day of Dhul Hijja, said Brig. Abdul Rahman Al-Zahrani, commander of Civil Defense units in Arafat. The deployed units cover various locations all over Arafat and will respond to any potential risks on the day of Arafat, he added. Civil Defense inspection teams visited all camps in Arafat and double-checked that they met safety requirements, Al-Zahrani said. Also, fire alarm systems have been tested and rescue units supported by ambulances have been posted at different locations around Nimrah Mosque, he added. All necessary measures have been taken to deal with any risks that might take place when a huge number of pilgrims climb the Jabal Al-Rahmah (the Mountain of Mercy), according to Al-Zahrani. Safety inspectors have paid several visits to camps to ensure Tawafah establishments are in compliance with requirements and there are not any gas cylinders kept inside Haj camps, he noted. Civil Defense units supported by helicopters have been positioned on the roads leading to Arafat to deal with any traffic accident and provide first-aid and evacuate any injured pilgrims to safety, he said. Al-Zahrani added his teams will continue to inspect Haj camps and ensure electrical safety requirements have been met and that the pathways inside these camps are obstacle-free so units do not have difficulty dealing with any emergency. He said: “Sleeping on mattresses in the streets is one of the biggest challenges that face our units, especially when the Nimrah Mosque and its surrounding areas get crowded. “We've intensified our presence around the mosque.” Col. Ahmad Al-Shahrani, who is in charge of safety and preventive supervision for the Civil Defense, said all emergency exits and kitchens have been inspected inside Haj camps as well as all governmental facilities in Arafat. Violators have been fined and given a grace period to comply with all Civil Defense regulations, he added. All units have been put on alert to respond to all potential risks such as pushing and shoving that usually result in stampedes, fire risks, and cases where tents collapse, he said. He added: “Over 1,200 of our members were trained rigorously to deal with such situation under the supervision of senior Civil Defense members.” Col. Khalid Al-Juhani, who is responsible for civil protection at Arafat, said his units were ready to protect pilgrims and property against any potential risks. He added: “Our personnel have been carefully selected and equipped with the necessary skills to help them perform their duties perfectly and in line with this year's Haj plan.” In the event of heavy rainfalls while pilgrims are at Arafat, units will be ready to assist them, he said. There is constant coordination between the Civil Defense and the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment regarding weather reports and conditions. All locations in Arafat have been surveyed for heavy rain and some places have been selected to be used as shelter centers for pilgrims in case of emergencies. All Tawafa establishments have been notified about the evacuation plan and what to do in case of heavy rains or floods.
