UK Scouts Relocating from South Korea Due to Extreme Heat

The UK Scouts are set to leave the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea due to extreme heat. The event, attended by over 40,000 young people from around the world, has seen hundreds of participants falling ill amidst temperatures reaching 35C (95F). The British group, consisting of more than 4,000 scouts, is moving from Saemangeum to Seoul to escape the heat. The South Korean government is sending water and medics to the site to assist. The jamboree, which takes place every four years in a different country, is the first since the pandemic and is scheduled to run until August 12th. Many parents have expressed their disappointment as their children had spent years preparing and fundraising to attend the event. Thunderstorms are predicted for the region, which may provide temporary relief from the heat, but high humidity will still make it feel hotter than 40C. The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) has called on the Korean Scout Association to consider ending the event early, but the host has decided to continue and is working to address the issues caused by the heat wave. Meanwhile, the WOSM has urged the South Korean government to prioritize the health and safety of participants. UK Scouts has stated that its group will be relocated to hotels to alleviate the pressure and ensure their well-being. Despite the challenges, some parents have defended the event, while others have expressed concerns about poor sanitation and inadequate facilities. The extreme heat has led to various heat-related illnesses, and the South Korean government has faced criticism for not adequately planning for the heatwave. Aid, including air-conditioned buses, water trucks, and medical staff, is being sent to the site to ensure the safety of participants. The Foreign Office is providing support to the British scouts, and the organizers are collecting feedback from participants regarding their experiences at the jamboree.