MAKKAH, 13 December 2007 — The Mina branch of the Civil Defense has been designated to handle emergency situations during the Haj with a multi-scenario plan to ensure emergencies are dealt with effectively, said Brig. Hassan Al-Muhammadi, commander of the Civil Defense in Mina.
“Crisis management in Haj involves the identification of five key areas of collaborative activity: assessment, prevention, preparation, response, and recovery management,” Al-Muhammadi told Arab News in an interview yesterday.
Al-Muhammadi said that the Civil Defense’s plans mainly focus on dealing with problems in tunnels, heavy rains, flooding in camp sites, fires and stampedes at the Jamrat areas and Al-Khaif Mosque.
He said people walking in tunnels meant for cars often become affected by pollution, causing them to fall unconscious. “Therefore, I appeal to pilgrims, who wish to walk, to avoid tunnels frequented by cars and travel only by tunnels that are meant for pedestrians,” he said.
The Civil Defense has also adopted several precautionary measures against accidents in tunnels. These measures include the frequent examination of tunnels, and the posting of Civil Defense guards on motorcycles at entrances and exits to monitor them.
He added that the Civil Defense has perfected its strategies with frequent mock rescue operations.
Speaking about possible heavy rains in the Mina valley, which is geographically vulnerable to floods and mud slides, Al-Muhammadi said, “The Civil Defense has special plans in case it rains heavily. As a first step we’ve identified the likely locations that flash floods may occur. We’ve also identified safe locations where pilgrims could be put up.”
He added that the Haj Ministry, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and the Red Crescent have all been given tasks in cases of emergencies.
“Measures have also been taken to make safe rocks on the sides of mountains. The cleaning up of drainage networks and fortification of levees would guarantee a fast drainage of flood waters,” he added.
Al-Muhammadi said that armbands, floats, ropes and rubber boats have been supplied to Civil Defense teams in case of floods. Amphibious cars will also be on hand for use for the first time this year.
The Civil Defense chief also warned pilgrims against camping at higher points on mountains, as those areas are vulnerable to landslides during heavy rains.
Al-Muhammadi also believes that the newly constructed separate approach roads to each storey on the Jamrat Bridge would considerably reduce crowding.
“This arrangement would stop the mixing of pilgrims coming from Mina, where most of the pilgrims would be camping, with the pilgrims heading for Makkah after the stoning. The residential projects at the foot of the Mina Mountain are also expected to ease the shortage of space at Mina tents,” he said.
“Pilgrim tents are fireproof. They’ve also been fitted with automatic water sprinkling systems, plenty of water hydrants, fire extinguishers and spacious fire exits. The electricity supply system in the tents are also very safe,” said Al-Muhammadi.
“There are well-laid plans in place to dispatch firefighting brigades at short notice. The Civil Defense also has launched campaigns to urge the pilgrims to avoid any act that may cause a fire accident. The officials have inspected the tents to guarantee that all the safety mechanisms are in place before the arrival of the pilgrims,” the brigadier said.
