Hundreds of attendees at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea have fallen ill as the country grapples with an extended heatwave affecting large swathes of the country.
The event, which started earlier this week, has drawn 43,000 young Scouts from 158 countries this year. By the end of the first day, Tuesday, officials had counted at least 400 patients who needed treatment for heat-related symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and exhaustion. On Wednesday, a further 207 heat-related cases emerged.
The outdoor event is being held on 8.8 sq km of reclaimed tidelands in the southern county of Buan, about 180km south-west of Seoul. Awnings and tents dot the site, which has little natural shade. The weather is expected to hover around 35C (95F) until the weekend, with brief showers.
One volunteer who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “I’m exhausted. Shade is hard to find, and when you’re in shade, it’s still super hot; there is barely any wind here.”
During the opening ceremony of the jamboree on Wednesday night, 108 people suffered from heat-related illnesses and exhaustion and were taken to the hospital. The event was attended by Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, as well as chief scout and celebrity survivalist Bear Grylls.
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said it was monitoring the situation closely. The UK contingent is expected to be the largest sent, numbering about 4,500 Scouts.
The spokesperson said: “Consular officials have been deployed on site to support attendees, and we are in regular contact with both Scouts UK and the Korean authorities to ensure the safety of British nationals.”
As the heat continued, the jamboree’s organising committee requested that side events that drew large crowds after the ceremony be cancelled.
On Thursday, the interior minister, Lee Sang-min, issued an urgent directive to implement additional measures to combat heat-related issues, including the adjustment of event programming based on the number and severity of cases, increased ambulances and the introduction of mobile hospitals. He also ordered the inspection of shade facilities, and additional air conditioning and shuttle buses.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Choi Chang-haeng, secretary general of the event’s organising committee, maintained that all heat-related illnesses were mild, with 39 still being treated at medical institutions.
“To prevent and respond to heat-related illnesses, we have secured additional medical personnel, including about 30 doctors and 60 nurses,” Choi said. Additional cooling devices would be installed in on-site clinics and more beds provided to care for patients. Six helicopters were on standby.
“We will ensure that Scout youths can enjoy the jamboree safely and in good health,” Choi said.
On Wednesday, the interior ministry raised the hot weather warning to its highest level for the first time in four years as swathes of the country continue to roast in temperatures up to 38C (100F).
Multiple emergency alerts sent to phones in the area have advised people to refrain from outdoor activities.
The heatwave is estimated to have killed at least 23 people across the country, more than triple the record of seven during the same period last year.
The scouting jamboree runs until 12 August.
