The CDC will have heads of 18 government departments as members. Provincial Civil Defense committees chaired by provincial governors will also be set up.

“The move will simplify preventive steps and rapid response to calamities besides implementing safety regulations in various other situations,” Al-Tuwaijeri said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency yesterday.

The Cabinet took the decision to reshuffle the Civil Defense Council (CDC) in its weekly meeting on Monday.

The CDC will approve the missions and responsibilities of government departments and other agencies to execute Civil Defense work, issue bylaws specifying safety conditions to protect human lives and properties and issue bylaws and specifications of shelters.

“The decision will also enable Civil Defense to benefit from international expertise on crisis management and mitigating damages,” Al-Tuwaijeri said in the statement.

He added that setting up of a committee for Civil Defense activities under the chairmanship of Prince Muhammad bin Naif, assistant minister of interior for security affairs, with defined roles is also aimed at rapid and effective response to emergency situations.

He said the Cabinet took the decision after studying a report of the Supreme Committee for Administrative Organization on the setting up of a crisis management commission in line with the government’s desire to heighten the battle readiness of the Civil Defense to counter calamities with more rescuers, equipment and expertise and keeping pace with the latest developments in rescue and preventive operations.

Saudi Arabian Civil Defense’s services have been internationally acclaimed, especially during the annual Haj season when millions converge in Makkah. Its humanitarian services in other countries have also been lauded. He said Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense services have been internationally recognized when it was awarded a gold medal by the International Civil Defense Organization last year.

Saudi Arabia celebrated last week the World Civil Defense Day with focus on safety at homes.