JEDDAH: The Civil Defense has a plan in place to deal with heavy rain at the Holy Sites and has a “hotline” to the Meteorology and Environmental Protection Authority if there are any adverse weather conditions. Brigadier Abdullah Al-Ghasham, Director of Civil Protection for Haj, said the hotline was established so that the Civil Defense could receive warnings about the possibility of heavy downpours and any other weather changes, Al-Watan Arabic daily reported Saturday. Al-Ghasham said there are 20 specialized units ready to deal with flood rescues. The units include highly trained divers and swimmers and are equipped with speed boats. These units are supported by field ambulatory teams and helicopters. He said an integrated plan is in place to deal with floods and to monitor the safety and efficiency of the storm water drains and flood canals at the holy sites. “In line with this plan, we located the courses of the valleys and the areas where water accumulates. We have taken all the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the storm water from running into the tents of pilgrims and the tunnel network. The plan also allocates alternative safe routes for pilgrims if the floods affect the roads.” He said the weather reports will allow the rescue teams ample time to alert pilgrims and move them away from any danger.
