Hundreds of participants at the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Buan, South Korea, have fallen victim to heat exhaustion as scorching temperatures sweep through the region. On the event’s first night, around 400 cases were reported, leading to many scouts receiving medical attention at a makeshift hospital set up at the campsite. The North Jeolla province, where the jamboree is taking place, has experienced temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F) amid a heatwave warning.
Scouts from the United States, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom have been affected by the extreme heat, causing concern among organizers and authorities. The UK contingent is notably the largest, with an estimated 4,500 participants out of the total 43,000 in attendance. The UK Foreign Office is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring the safety of British nationals through the presence of consular officials on-site.
A fire service official informed Reuters that most of the scouts who required medical attention experienced mild symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Thankfully, the majority of affected individuals have returned to their campsites after receiving treatment.
The World Scout Jamboree, known as one of the world’s largest youth camps, commenced on Tuesday, attracting participants typically aged between 14 and 18. However, the event also draws adult attendees, including 49-year-old celebrity survivalist Bear Grylls, who serves as the UK’s Chief Scout.
The heatwave’s impact has led South Korea’s interior minister, Lee Sang-min, to call for jamboree organizers to adjust their programs based on the number and severity of heat exhaustion cases. Choi Chang-haeng, the secretary general of the event’s organizing committee, stated that 39 individuals are still receiving medical treatment at various medical institutions. In response to the situation, additional medical personnel have been deployed, and cooling devices have been installed to ensure the event can proceed safely.
South Korea has been experiencing an unusually hot summer, with temperatures soaring between 33°C and 38°C, prompting Seoul authorities to raise their hot weather warning to the highest level in four years. The intense heat has tragically claimed at least 16 lives across the country, surpassing the previous year’s record of seven during the same period.
As organizers strive to ensure the well-being of participants and address the challenges posed by the heatwave, concerns remain for the health and safety of those attending the 25th World Scout Jamboree. With ongoing monitoring and responsive measures in place, authorities are committed to mitigating the impact of the extreme weather and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable event for all.