Categories: World

South Korea: 1,000 buses evacuate scouts from disaster-hit Word Jamboree

More than 1,000 buses have begun ferrying scouts at an international event in South Korea out of a campsite due to an incoming tropical storm.

Helicopters and police cars were escorting the buses from the disaster-hit jamboree.

The threat of the storm comes just days after hundreds at the camp fell ill in temperatures of 35C (95F).

South Korea's president has cut short his holiday to help manage the fallout from the gathering.

Attended by more than 40,000 young people from 155 countries, the World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum has been marred by illness and criticism of its organisation and facilities from the start.

"This is the first time in more than 100 years of World Scout Jamborees that we have had to face such compounded challenges," Ahmad Alhendawi of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, said in a statement.

Image source, EPAImage caption, Scouts board a bus to leave the campsite in Saemangeum

The massive event had been "very unlucky with the unprecedented heatwave" and the incoming storm, he said.

The bus convoy began moving the scouts from Saemangeum at 09:00 local time (01:00 BST) on Tuesday to inland locations, including Seoul and its surrounding province of Gyeonggi.

Scout groups from the UK, Singapore and the US had left the event early – with the British group citing poor sanitation and food quality among their reasons for leaving.

Most of the remaining scouts will be ferried from the camp to 128 accommodation sites across eight provinces and cities around Seoul, interior minister Lee Sang-min on Tuesday morning.

He said the government would ensure participants could be "safe and comfortable" at their new lodgings, which include university halls and hotels.

He vowed the Jamboree would continue and said he hoped the scouts could "finish their schedules with a happy heart".

Image source, ReutersImage caption, More than 1,000 buses are being used to transport the scouts

In an effort to mitigate the national embarrassment surrounding the event, a South Korean lawmaker has appealed to the military to give three members of seven-strong super K-pop group BTS leave from their mandatory military service so as to entertain the stranded scouts.

The now-empty schedules of these "precious guests" needed filling with "the power of Korean culture," Sung Il-jong wrote on his Facebook page.

A closing ceremony will now be held on Saturday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, followed by the K-pop concert, South Korea's culture ministry said on Tuesday.

  • UK Scouts move into hotels after S Korea heatwave
  • Heat exhaustion hits hundreds at World Scout event

Korean media have described the event as "a national disgrace," saying authorities had six years to prepare for a site plagued by poor drainage, rudimentary showers and toilets.

Government organisers admitted there had been "shortcomings" in the area of hygiene, with the scout chief acknowledging the event had a "bumpy start with… services and facilities" in a LinkedIn post.

Severe Tropical Storm Khanun, which has already forced evacuations and cut off power to thousands in Japan, is forecast to reach South Korea's southern Jeolla province on Thursday.

Originally classified as a typhoon, the weather system has weakened but is still bringing high winds and torrential rain to the region.

Heatwaves like the one that hit the campsite become more frequent, more intense, and last longer because of human-induced climate change. Increased sea surface temperatures also mean storms are likely to be more intense and bring more extreme rainfall.

The jamboree's organisers had insisted the event would continue despite the weather forecast, but on Monday they confirmed the scouts would be evacuated and the campsite closed due to the approaching typhoon.

Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

  • WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
  • Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
  • Upload pictures or video
  • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

Share

Recent Posts

Trump names several new White House picks to work on AI, crypto and more: ‘America First Patriots’

President-elect Donald Trump unleashed a slew of nominations on Sunday night, naming several new people…

4 hours ago

Trump nominates Callista Gingrich as U.S. ambassador to Switzerland, announces other picks

President-elect Trump on Sunday named Callista Gingrich, wife to former Speaker of the House Newt…

4 hours ago

China warns US to stop arming Taiwan after Biden approves $571M in military aid

China has warned the U.S. that it is making "dangerous moves" by providing Taiwan with…

4 hours ago

NYPD arrests migrant who allegedly set woman on fire on subway train, watched her burn to death

close Video Tyrus 'could not be prouder' of NYC mayor after meeting with incoming 'border…

6 hours ago

Prankster arrested after reportedly filming himself spraying food at Walmart: ‘Reckless’

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for December 22 Fox News Flash top headlines…

8 hours ago

Woman dies after being set on fire while sleeping on NYC subway train: police

close Video Tyrus 'could not be prouder' of NYC mayor after meeting with incoming 'border…

8 hours ago