Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, has approved the Civil Defense and Security plan for this year's Haj. The plan includes preparing a fleet of security aircraft for emergency purposes and the mobilization of thousands of security personnel to protect pilgrims against accidents as well as to safeguard their property and belongings in coordination with other competent authorities. The Civil Defense plan will maintain security in the ritual sites, ensure pilgrims' comfort and deter anyone who tries to spoil the solemn conduct of the Haj rituals. The plan demonstrates the Kingdom's keenness to make the Haj season comfortable and to prevent any attempts to disrupt it. There are other measures being undertaken to bring comfort to the pilgrims. On Thursday, Brig. Samir Al-Asadi, Director General of Road Security, said that his administration, in cooperation with the responsible authorities, has adopted a plan to set up flood shelters for pilgrims along highways parallel to valleys. The shelters will be used to accommodate pilgrims if security authorities receive reports from the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment about the possibility of a heavy downpour of rain and flash floods. The Ministry of Haj has also tasked a team to monitor weather forecast reports so as to alert bus drivers carrying pilgrims about the possibility of heavy rainfall and floods. __
