Emergency services are ready to deal with any crisis in this city as thousands of pilgrims pour in to pray at the Prophet's Mosque and then leave for their home countries. Muhammad Abdul Rahman Al-Bejawi, Director of the Haj Ministry's branch in Madina, said all necessary arrangements have been made to deal with any emergency. This was especially to assist pilgrims as they took part in Friday congregational prayers and now preparing to leave for their home countries. Staff have been increased at bus stations to ensure the smooth departure of pilgrims to Jeddah. Abdul Wahid Al-Khateeb, Director of Public Relations at the General Presidency of the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque, said the yards surrounding the Prophet's Mosque have been expanded to absorb more worshippers. He said more than 2,400 staffers from the Presidency were deployed at the Prophet's Mosque to serve the pilgrims. Brigadier Seraj Bin Abdul Rahman Kamal, Director General of Traffic Department in Madina, said over 1,100 officers and non-commissioned officers are supervising the departure of pilgrims. The traffic authorities have banned private vehicles and small cars from entering the Mosque's central area to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
