RIYADH: The chief of the Civil Defense special emergency forces, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Qahtani said here on Wednesday that members of the Civil defense are fully trained according to international standards to meet any emergencies during the Haj pilgrimage season.

“Our forces have undergone intensive training in all security areas that are connected to pilgrims and the holy sites,” Al-Qahtani said, adding that the training has been given to prepare them for readiness and willingness to carry out their tasks.

The training program for Civil Defense forces included implementation of the general plan for emergency response during the pilgrimage, a range of training activities from theoretical lectures and practical applications and assumptions. They include the use of the latest equipment, training aids under the supervision of an integrated team in the event of a rescue operation from fire and from an emergency medical evacuation.

Director of Training, Civil Defense Management for the Haj Brig. Gen. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Duaij said that the team consists of seven groups equipped with all necessary equipment which includes three in Mina, three in Arafat and the seventh one in Muzdalifah.

According to Director General of Civil Defense Lt. Gen. Sulaiman bin Abdullah Al-Amr, the Civil Defense plan aims to take all measures to ensure the safety of the guests of Allah in all Haj rituals.

“The plan also intends to acquire capabilities to contain potential risks which could expose this spiritual and large gathering to dangers,” he said, adding that the plan includes all assumptions and measures seen necessary by the Civil Defense to counter perceived risks of fire, rain, natural, industrial, health and environmental risks in Makkah, Madinah and holy sites.