88 People Rushed To Hospital Due To Fatigue Due To Hot Waves After The Opening Of The World Scout Jamboree

Jambore Pramuka Internasional 2023. (Source: World Scout Bureau Inc. Jaron Zopff)

JAKARTA - As many as 88 people were taken to hospital after suffering exhaustion from the hot weather during the opening ceremony of South Korea's Saemangeum 2023 World Scout Jamboree, which was held amidst a persistent heatwave.

According to the Jeonbuk National Police Agency and Jeonbuk Fire and Rescue Headquarters, 83 people, including Scouts, fainted after the opening ceremony ended at 10:33 p.m. and claimed to be dizzy, reported by the Korea Times August 3.

The daytime temperature soared to 34 degrees Celsius in Buan, North Jeolla Province, the Jamboree's host city.

Tens of thousands of people, including Scouts, gathered at the event site to witness the opening ceremony and fireworks display. Police officers and paramedics there said they were transporting patients to hospitals and makeshift clinics set up at the Jamboree site.

As the situation worsened, rescue authorities asked organizers to suspend other events scheduled after the opening ceremony.

International Scout Jamboree 2023. (Source: WSBureau Inc./Jeroen Appel)

The Buan, Gochang, and Gimje police stations, which are adjacent to the camp site, were also put on "high alert" in case of a more serious situation.

It is known, the 25th World Scout Jamboree which was held August 1-12 was attended by more than 43,000 Scout members from 159 countries of the world in a camp area of ​​8.84 square kilometers.

Organized by the World Scout Movement Organization, this event aims to provide opportunities for young people from around the world, to learn about each other's cultures, build friendships through outdoor camping and various cultural activities.

The Organizing Committee for the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, South Korea, said a total of 174 indoor and outdoor programs in 57 categories will be offered during the event themed "Describe Your Dreams".

These programs include survival programs, building structures with bamboo and rope, and hands-on experiences in learning Korean culture, such as Korean paper art, as well as various water activities.

Participants can also enjoy 30 programs in eight categories offered by 14 cities and counties in North Jeolla Province.

It is known, this is the second International Scout Jamboree held in Korea. The first Jamboree was held in Goseong, Gangwon Province in 1991.

On Tuesday, a heat wave warning was issued in Buan County near the camp site. The organizers said they set up various shelters and tunnels surrounded by plants so that the participants could escape the heat.