The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) conducted a special disaster training programme for those visiting the holy city of Mecca to prepare them for any major catastrophe like Hajj stameped last year.
Nearly 500 people from various states took part in the training conducted jointly by the BMC and the Haj Committee of India.
“After the last year’s tragedy, we decided that people need to be trained in emergencies in disaster management so that they remain safe in case a tragedy occurs,” Ataura Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Haj Committee said.
“Therefore, the civic body’s emergency management cell prepared the training plan for Haj pilgrims, that consists of emergency management if an untoward incident occurs during the pilgrimage,” he added.
Over 700 people were killed in a huge stampede at Mecca in September last year.
According to an official in the BMC’s Emergency management cell, people were given training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They were also told about the potential disasters.
“All teachers, who are trained in disaster management, were carrying a guided computerised presentation, from which knowledge was being given. The training focused on potential disasters that can occur, effective materials available during the Haj pilgrimage to tackle them and how first aid could be used,” the official said.
