“The Civil Defense forces, in cooperation with other departments concerned, have completed all arrangements and are well-prepared to attend to any emergency situation. There have been no major incidents reported so far since the launch of our Ramadan plan on Shaaban 25 (Aug. 6),” Civil Defense Director in Makkah, Brig. Gen. Jamil Arbaeen, told Arab News.

He added that 4,200 Civil Defense officers have been deployed in the holy city to facilitate the smooth flow of pilgrims and deal with emergency situations.

“They have been provided with 800 pieces of equipment, including fire extinguishers and rescue materials as part of a detailed security and safety plan,” he said.

“Some 300 officials and members of Civil Defense have been deployed in the Haram area alone. They have access to about 90 fire extinguishers and other rescue equipment in addition to 300 motorcycles. These forces are reinforced by 10 evacuation units, 23 security surveillance teams and a 110-strong monitoring unit.”

According to Arbaeen, the Civil Defense Department has divided the Haram area into three zones as part of its intention to effectively implement its Ramadan plan, especially during the last 10 days when the Grand Mosque is expected to attract more than one million worshippers.

The zones include the Grand Mosque itself, its courtyards, roads and lanes leading to the holy mosque.

Arbaeen said there had only been a few minor incidents and emergency situations reported in the holy city since his department started implementing the Ramadan plan this year.

“We have set up 20 cameras at major intersections and streets leading to the Grand Mosque to keep a close eye on the pilgrims’ movement. Our forces are tasked with giving necessary guidelines and instructions to worshippers, especially during peak hours,” he said.

Referring to the heavy flow of pilgrims for Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Holy Kaaba, Arbaeen urged the faithful to avoid offering prayers near Maqam Ibrahim or inside Mataaf during the peak rush.

He also urged pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque to refrain from sitting near entrances and along passages inside the mosque to facilitate the smooth movement of worshippers, especially the elderly, women and children.