Authorities in Makkah have begun investigating the owners of 67 buildings who violated safety regulations in Mina. Four of them housed pilgrims without official permits. In all, 71 pilgrims were vacated from these buildings.

The data from the Civil Defense in Makkah showed that during the first 11 days of Dul Hijjah (corresponding to Oct. 6 to Oct.15) their officers made 4,393 field visits. The majority of these inspections were made on Oct. 10 with 544 tours of pilgrims’ residences, hotels, commercial stores, restaurants and tents in Mina.

Oct. 11 witnessed the most violations when 30 buildings were vacated, although the number came down to 21 the following day.

The data also showed that 587 hotels were inspected but there were no violations with regard to safety measures. On Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, 98 hotels were inspected, the largest number so far.

Brig. Thamer Al-Hakami, director general of Civil Defense in Makkah, stressed the department’s attention to meeting safety requirements.

He said tours are monitored through daily field duties to gauge the general safety index of buildings and other activities.

Investors and owners of various commercial and industrial activities were encouraged to meet safety regulations, and uphold maintenance, in addition to being in possession of warning sirens and emergency exits. Civil Defense personnel intensified their efforts during Haj to ensure the safety of the guests of God, especially during Tawaf Al-Wida (farewell circumambulation of the Kaaba), and were placed on high alert to avoid congestion.

Col. Abdullah Al-Harithi, spokesman for Civil Defense, said its officials are posted at 26 points inside the Grand Mosque and its courtyards. The number of posts is raised to 35 during peak hours.

Civil Defense units in the Grand Mosque are supplied with the equipment to offer first aid services to the injured and elderly and execute medical evacuation of patients who are in need of specialized medical care.

The Ministry of Health and the Saudi Red Crescent coordinate the operations, he added.

He said the intensive plan was operational until Saturday night and there was a detailed plan to support Civil Defense inside the Grand Mosque with more personnel.