The 25th World Scout Jamboree in Buan, South Korea has been marred by a wave of heat exhaustion cases. On the first night of the event, approximately 400 participants fell victim to the scorching heat, forcing them to seek treatment at a makeshift hospital in the campsite. With temperatures soaring up to 35C (95F) in North Jeolla province, where the jamboree is taking place, a heatwave warning has been issued. This highly anticipated youth camp, renowned as one of the world’s largest, commenced on Tuesday with an impressive turnout of 43,000 Scouts from various nations.
While the age range of participants typically falls between 14 to 18, the event also attracts adults, including renowned survivalist Bear Grylls, who serves as the Chief Scout for the United Kingdom. According to a fire service official cited by Reuters, most of the affected Scouts presented milder symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Fortunately, a majority of them have already returned to their respective campsites. Reports indicate that Scouts from the United States, Britain, and Bangladesh were among those impacted by the extreme heat.
In response to the incident, South Korea’s interior minister Lee Sang-min has called for the organizers of the jamboree to adapt their programs in accordance with the severity and number of heat exhaustion cases. During a press conference, Choi Chang-haeng, the secretary general of the organizing committee, revealed that 39 individuals are still receiving medical treatment. The committee has taken measures to bolster the medical staff present at the event and has also ensured the availability of cooling devices to ensure the smooth continuation of the jamboree.
The scorching summer weather in parts of South Korea has been highly unusual and has prompted authorities to raise the hot-weather warning in Seoul to its highest level in four years. The city has been experiencing temperatures ranging from 33C to 38C. Shockingly, the unbearable heat is believed to have claimed the lives of at least 16 people across the country, which is more than double the number of fatalities during the same period last year.
This unfortunate incident at the World Scout Jamboree serves as a stark reminder of the increasingly urgent issue of climate change. The extreme weather conditions encountered by the Scouts highlight the importance of taking immediate action to combat global warming and protect our youth. It also underscores the need for event organizers to prioritize the well-being of participants and make appropriate adjustments to accommodate changing climate patterns.
As we continue to witness the impacts of climate change, it is crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to work together to mitigate its effects. This includes implementing sustainable practices, raising awareness about climate change, and taking measures to adapt to changing weather patterns. By doing so, we can create a safer and healthier environment for future generations, ensuring that events like the World Scout Jamboree remain enjoyable and safe experiences for all participants.
