Organizers of a World Scout Jamboree in South Korea marred by high heat and poor conditions called for an early departure from the event’s campsite, ahead of the arrival of a typhoon packing high winds and torrential rains.
(Bloomberg) — Organizers of a World Scout Jamboree in South Korea marred by high heat and poor conditions called for an early departure from the event’s campsite, ahead of the arrival of a typhoon packing high winds and torrential rains.
The World Organization of the Scout Movement said in a statement Monday it “received confirmation this morning from the Government of the Republic of Korea that due to the expected impact of Typhoon Khanun, an early departure will be planned for all participants.”
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol discussed a “Plan B” for the event due to the typhoon set to make landfall in the country in the next few days, his office said.
There appeared to be little preparation for the extreme heat, insects, sanitation, medical needs and food for the scouting event that attracted 43,000 youths from 158 countries to a campsite located on a massive land reclamation project in the southwest part of South Korea.
The troubles have embarrassed organizers and led to high-level government and corporate responses. Delegations from the US and UK had already pulled out due to health concerns.
Organizers have asked nearby universities to move participants to dormitories due to the typhoon, while major South Korean companies have offered to host outings for the event that ends Saturday. A K-Pop concert for the event may move to Seoul or areas further away from the storm.
Samsung Electronics Co. will prepare tours of its chip plants and museum for participants while Hyundai Motor is opening up its largest commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in nearby Jeonju that can churn out 103,000 units per year.
Read: World Scout Jamboree Sees Early Pullouts Amid Deadly Korean Heat
South Korea held an emergency cabinet meeting Friday to allocate 6.9 billion won ($5.3 million) in reserve funds for necessary assistance and Yoon ordered the dispatch of air-conditioned buses and refrigerators.
Adding to the troubles, a South Korean contingent pulled out from the event after criticizing organizers of mishandling an alleged sex offense case involving a foreign adult supervisor, according to Yonhap News.
–With assistance from Sangmi Cha.
(Updates with call for early withdrawal.)
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