Authorities assure local scouts are safe despite heatwave in South Korea

The eight-member Barbados contingent at this year’s Scout Jamboree in South Korea is safe despite prevailing intense heatwave conditions, local officials have confirmed.

Contingent leader Stephen Sobers gave this assurance amid international media reports that scores of participants have been suffering from heat exhaustion.

Reuters News Agency reported Saturday that contingents from the US, Britain and Singapore moved out of the site, Saemangeum, near the town of Buan on South Korea’s west coast, where temperatures have hit 33 Celsius (91.4F).   They have relocated to hotels.

World Scout Jamboree affected by severe heat. PHOTO: CNN

In a statement, the Barbados Boy Scouts Association said, “Chief Commissioner of the Barbados Boy Scouts Association, Trevor Jones, has been actively in touch with parents, providing them with regular updates regarding the progress of the Barbados Contingent. Rest assured, we remain fully committed to closely monitoring the prevailing conditions, ensuring the optimal health and well-being of our esteemed scouts.”

The Association also noted that the South Korean organising committee, in collaboration with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, the South Korean Prime Minister, and other associated partners, have been working to enhance the conditions and ensure the well-being of all participants.

“A range of comprehensive measures has been implemented to counteract the adverse effects of the heatwave,” it said.

The BBC reported that South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced that aid was being sent to the site

“The government will use all its resources to ensure that the jamboree can end safely amid the heatwave,” he said.

Air-conditioned buses, water trucks and medical staff were dispatched.