MAKKAH — The Civil Defense has identified 120 locations hazardous to pilgrims and banned Hajis from staying in these locations. Head of the Civil Defense Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijri said these locations were carefully identified and all safety patrols were informed to ensure they are not being used. He said that there are many hazards in these locations caused by natural phenomena such as rain, floods, wind, thunder and dust storms. Such hazards may increase during one season and recede during another according to climatic conditions. He added that other hazards are caused by the gathering of a huge number of pilgrims in certain confined areas. Such hazards include crowding, spread of diseases and environmental pollution. A third type of hazard is caused by the large expansion projects in Makkah, especially at the Grand Mosque. The Civil Defense adapts to any changes in the severity of these hazards, he said. Al-Tuwaijri said there are 13 possible hazards that could affect pilgrims performing Haj and this year overcrowding in the Grand Mosque and the central area is the Civil Defense's main priority. The Civil Defense is ready to deal with all possible hazards, even those that are remotely possible, he claimed. He confirmed that all Civil Defense units are provided with the necessary training to carry out their duties. The training includes an explanation of the equipment used, required coordination with other units, and the proper way to deal with the different types of hazards. Al-Tuwaijri explained that different hazards require the use of different equipment. For example, high-level fires require the use of ladders that can reach 60-meter high floors. These ladders are equipped with hydraulic lifts to assist in the efforts of rescuing trapped people. In addition, large crowds in the central area have led to the Civil Defense using small firefighting and rescue vehicles. This year, the Civil Defense will utilize for the first time quad-bikes that are equipped with water and foam tanks to attend to small fires in buses, vehicles, and small premises such as restaurants. He added that, this year, 200 new pieces of equipment would be used during Haj. The equipment includes search and rescue equipment in the event of building collapses or to traverse mountainous areas, in addition to vehicles that can handle dangerous materials. He said Civil Defense centers are located in carefully designated areas that are most prone to hazards to minimize the time it takes for officers to reach accident scenes. There are 25 Civil Defense teams inside and around the Grand Mosque to carry out rescue operations and provide medical assistance as needed. These teams are increased to 35 during peak hours. There are more than 80 centers along the Haj routes, along with 250 firefighting units and 2,500 patrols to monitor safety conditions in pilgrim housing. Civil Defense teams are spread across the holy site of Arafat with a maximum of 90 meters between them. He pointed out that pilgrim accommodation buildings are inspected by the Civil Defense and approved consultancy offices issue reports on them. Buildings that do not meet safety requirements will have their power and water disconnected. Al-Tuwaijri said gas cylinders are banned at the holy sites and violators will be fined immediately. Pilgrim buses may be used as temporary emergency shelters at Arafat and CCTV will be used to transmit live pictures of pilgrim movements to officials.
