this is the big jamraat, known as 'jamraat aqaba' (the big devil). no, it's not the guy in front of me! it's the wall at the back of the picture.
unfortunately due to accidents in previous years the pelting of it gets into the news for all the wrong reasons.
alhamdulillah, the situation this year is much improved. the saudi authorities have created more entrances and exits to the general jamraat area to divide up the flows of people. there are guards outside directing the public. if you're carrying luggage (as a lot of people do because they go straight on to makkah) they pull you out of the crowd and direct you to a place it can be stored. it's apparently people taking luggage into the crowd that have caused accidents in recent years. in addition, they have guards stationed at posts inside and guards on foot in the crowd to ensure there's no pushing, another factor which leads to accidents.
added to this, they've distributed safety leaflets available in different languages and put up safety posters in all hotels. it's made a huge difference. however, it's the 'push and shove' mentality of a minority that now needs to be tackled.
