THREE-STAGE SECURITY PLAN FOR MAKKAH AND MADINAH IN HOLY MONTH

Makkah, 29 Sha’ban 1434/8 July 2013 (MINA) – The Directorate General of Civil Defense has announced its three-stage plan for the holy month of Ramadan in Makkah and Madinah.

The Saudi Gazette report on Monday (8/7) quoted by the Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting that the first stage, which started with the beginning of the Umrah season, focuses on safety at places of residence and facilities visited by Umrah pilgrims.

The second stage deals with redeployment of Civil Defense teams in cases of emergency. The third stage is about creating awareness about safety and security.

Some 25 TV screens have been placed at different locations, especially on the roads leading to the Grand Mosque, the parking lots and the governorates surrounding Makkah.

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Director of Civil Defense in Makkah Region Maj. Gen. Jameel Muhammad Arba’een said the operation plan for the Central Area is based on three aspects – the Grand Mosque, the courtyards and the roads leading to the courtyards.

Signals have been put up at the gates of the Grand Mosque informing the visitors about the availability of space inside the mosque. Maj. Gen. Arba’een advised worshipers to leave for the Grand Mosque with sufficient time ahead so that there is no crowding at the entrance.

He said paramedics have been increased by 30 percent compared to last year and their number has reached 3,000. They will work from the beginning of Ramadan until the end, distributed at 35 points inside the Grand Mosque.

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Eight helicopters are covering the Ramadan plan. The Civil Defense personnel have reached 16,000 privates and officers. Director of Civil Defense in Madinah Region Maj. Gen. Zuhair Sibieh said the Civil Defense plan is being carried out in three stages.

The first stage started before Ramadan and included checking of all hotels and other accommodation facilities to ensure that they are abiding by the Civil Defense safety conditions. The second stage will start on the first night of Ramadan and will continue until the 20th of the holy month.

The third stage will be for the last 10 days of Ramadan and Eid. Over 3,000 Civil Defense officers and privates will participate in the plan. (T/P09/E1).

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)