The World Scout Jamboree is underway in South Korea, but participants are facing an unexpected challenge: a scorching heatwave. To combat the extreme temperatures, President Yoon Suk Yeol has instructed the government to provide unlimited air-conditioned buses and refrigerator trucks to protect the young Scouts from heat-related illnesses. Over 100 people have already been treated for symptoms such as dehydration and heat exhaustion since the event began on Wednesday.
President Yoon gave this directive during his summer vacation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address issues at the site. He ordered an unlimited number of air-conditioned buses to serve as temporary refuges for the Scouts and refrigerator trucks to supply them with cold water. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is set to preside over an extraordinary Cabinet meeting to approve the allocation of government funds for necessary assistance during the jamboree.
The organizers of the World Scout Jamboree have faced growing criticism due to various conditions on-site. Reports have highlighted a shortage of hospital beds, waterlogged areas caused by previous heavy rains, poor food quality including spoiled eggs, and swarms of mosquitoes. Furthermore, South Korea is currently experiencing record-breaking high temperatures, adding to the challenges faced by participants.
In response to these concerns, President Yoon has also called for immediate improvements in the quality and quantity of food provided to the Scouts. Foreign consuls from participating countries have expressed their worries about the participants’ conditions, and family members have voiced their complaints through social media.
To address these issues, the ruling People Power Party and the government held an emergency meeting to discuss safety measures and improve conditions at the jamboree site. They have agreed to increase the electrical power supply and provide self-cooling outdoor tents and air-conditioned buses. Additionally, every day, additional ice water will be provided for the estimated 100,000 attendees.
The severity of the situation at the jamboree site has raised concerns among officials. Rep. Yun Jae-ok, the floor leader of the ruling party, emphasized that proper preparation should have been conducted in anticipation of the hot summer season, particularly considering the campsite’s lack of natural shade due to its location on reclaimed tidal flat land.
The World Scout Jamboree, often referred to as the cultural Olympics for youth, is hosting 43,000 young Scouts from 158 countries at a massive campsite in the southwestern town of Buan. With the unusually hot summer weather expected to persist throughout the 12-day event, a heatwave advisory has been issued in 14 areas of North Jeolla Province, including Buan.
In summary, the South Korean government has taken immediate action to ensure the well-being of the young participants at the World Scout Jamboree amid scorching heat. Unlimited air-conditioned buses and refrigerator trucks have been provided to offer refuge and cold water. While there have been criticisms regarding the conditions at the event, efforts are being made to address these concerns. The government is determined to improve the quality of food and meet the demands raised by participants and their families. The focus is on creating a safe and memorable experience for the Scouts in spite of the challenging weather conditions.
