Civil Defense forces prepare ahead of the 27th night of Ramadan, when Haram witnesses a tremendouse rise in the number of worshippers. — SPA RIYADH – All Civil Defense forces implementing the plan of the Directorate General of Civil Defense have been placed on a 100-percent state of alert to deal with the expected crowding on the 27th night of Ramadan, especially because it falls on Friday, Lt. Gen. Saad Bin Abdullah Al-Twaijri, Director General of Civil Defense said. The detailed plans include stationing Civil Defense men all over Makkah, particularly in the Central Area, to deal with the huge increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims and visitors on this blessed night; and increasing the number of medical-care points and paramedic teams at densely crowded locations within and outside the Haram in Makkah, he said. In a statement to SPA, General Al-Twaijri lauded the coordination and cooperation between the government authorities executing the Civil Defense plan in Makkah and Madina during the holy month of Ramadan. The cooperation and team spirit have enabled authorities to reach the highest level of readiness to ensure the safety of Umrah pilgrims throughout the holy month, he said. He drew attention to the fact that the preventive survey teams will continue to work around-the-clock to monitor, detect and remove any sources of pollution in the tunnels network and the area surrounding the Grand Mosque; monitor exhaust emissions from vehicle traffic to ensure that the emissions are within safe levels; and monitor roads leading to Makkah and Madina. General Al-Twaijri said the Directorate General of Civil Defense stresses the use of safety and guidance for Umrah pilgrims to ensure their safety – through actions such as placing signs in the courtyards, roads leading to the Haram and in the Umrah pilgrims' residences; sending SMS text messages informing those coming to the Grand Mosque about the density of crowds there.
