MAKKAH: Civil Defense authorities have geared up to deal with any accident during the Haj, including stampedes, fires or floods.

"The Civil Defense has put in place plans for the safety of pilgrims," Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijeri, director general of Civil Defense, said in an interview with Arab News. "We are also coordinating with police, health officers and other related departments to ensure a smooth Haj."

Speaking about arrangements to contain fires, Al-Tuwaijeri pointed out that flammable tents have not been in use for the past several years, and that open fires are prohibited in the sprawling Mina encampment.

In 1997, a fire caused by a gas stove killed hundreds of pilgrims, many of whom died as they were fleeing the burning tents. Since then the Saudi government has implemented safety measures to prevent pilgrims from bringing camping stoves.

"The Civil Defense has decided to continue the ban on the use of LPG cylinders for cooking. The ban has proven very successful," he said, pointing out that pilgrims are free to cook food at designated kitchens in Mina.

The Civil Defense would continue to inspect pilgrims' baggage and confiscate banned items.

Al-Tuwaijeri said the Civil Defense has sufficient personnel for rescuing pilgrims in the event of floods, fire or other accidents. Mina and Arafat have flood risks due to their geography.

Pilgrims have been warned against visiting ravines and low-lying areas when there is rain as flash flooding can occur quickly and with little warning, especially in the winter months.

Al-Tuwaijeri said the Saudi government has constructed levees and culverts to check the flow of water to these places, but he underscored that pilgrims still should take precautionary measures in the event of heavy rainfall.

Makkah's many vehicular tunnels coupled with traffic jams can pose a danger to drivers and passengers.

Officials monitor pollution levels to detect high concentrations of carbon monoxide and particulate matter (which can cause breathing difficulties, especially to the young and elderly) to ensure the safety inside these tunnels.

Officials use special equipment to monitor vehicular emissions in these tunnels to detect any potential pockets of high concentrations of these pollutants, said Al-Tuwaijeri.