Karbala Mobilizes Emergency Teams Ahead of Arbaeen Pilgrimage

Karbala Mobilizes Emergency Teams Ahead of Arbaeen Pilgrimage
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Iraq’s Civil Defense Directorate on Friday finalized preparations to ensure the safety of the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala by implementing a comprehensive security plan in collaboration with the Shrines and Hussaini processions, Shafaaq News reported.

Arbaeen, the largest annual religious gatherings globally, marks the conclusion of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). Millions of pilgrims journey on foot to Karbala from across Iraq and other countries to participate in the event.

Nuwas Sabah, Head of the Directorate’s Media and Relations Department, told Shafaq News that the plan involves pre-positioning medical supplies, training staff, and deploying rescue teams along pilgrimage routes.

The plan is built on three main pillars: The first emphasizes preventive measures, such as conducting safety inspections of hotels and commercial buildings and removing hazardous materials like flammable sandwich panels and aluminum composite cladding.

The second pillar focuses on field deployment, with civil defense and rescue teams positioned along key roads leading to Karbala to ensure rapid emergency response amid the large crowds.

The third pillar involves humanitarian support, including distributing drinking water to pilgrims and enforcing kitchen safety standards. Sabah highlighted that every procession tent must have at least two fire extinguishers, and organizers should be trained to use them. He also stressed the importance of promptly reporting emergencies through the 911 hotline.