The “concerned” mother of a teenager evacuated from the World Scout Jamboree during a heatwave in South Korea says her son faced “hugely uncomfortable” conditions at the event.
Annabel Shackleton’s 17-year-old son Aaron is one of the 4,000 UK Scouts who have been evacuated from the campsite to hotels in the country’s capital, Seoul, due to the heatwave.
Hundreds of participants at the event – which involves around 40,000 people from around the world – have so far been treated for heat-related illness, while the South Korean government has sent aid to the site.
Speaking to Sky News correspondent Inzamam Rashid, Ms Shackleton said: “Some of the teenagers were suffering with the heat.
“There was concern [from parents], especially when we heard there was a lack of food. But they have survived, and in the photographs we have seen, there are smiles on their faces.
“They are having a blast. It’s very hot, but they are surviving. They are all looking out for each other – that’s what Scouting is all about.”
Attendees of the World Scout Jamboree lie down. Pic: AP
A participant is carried on a stretcher at the Jamboree Hospital
Ms Shackleton said her son’s group were “gutted” about leaving the Jamboree site – which continues to operate despite calls for the event to be cut short.
“I know they are gutted. We have heard from them, they are gutted,” she said.
“But they are just taking each day as it comes. It is an adventure. It has not gone to plan. But they are making the most of it.”
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UK scouts arrive at hotel after heatwave
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UK Scout leader reveals Jamboree chaos
It comes as South Korea continues to plough ahead with the World Scout Jamboree – despite calls by the world Scouting body to cut the event short.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said during a news conference that the country is determined to continue the event as planned through to 12 August.
He promised additional safety measures including more medical staff, air-conditioned vehicles and structures that provide shade.
Around 700 additional workers will also be deployed to help maintain bathrooms and showers.
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Bear Grylls urges Scouts to stay hydrated
The UK Scouts – who have the biggest contingent at the event – announced on Friday that they would be pulling their 4,000 strong delegation from the site and moving them into hotels in Seoul to take pressure off the site.
The United States is also planning to relocate American Scouts to a military base near to Seoul.
South Korea this week raised its hot weather warning to the highest level for the first time in four years, with temperatures around the country hovering between 35C (95F) and 38C (100F).
At least 19 people have died across South Korea from heat-related illnesses since 20 May, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
The government said more than 200 jamboree participants had received treatment for heat-related illnesses since Wednesday’s opening ceremony.
Queues of Scouts at Jamboree
A resident films the camping site at the event
On Thursday, celebrity explorer Bear Grylls, who is the UK’s Chief Scout, shared a video of himself giving a speech at the event, held at a site in southwestern Buan.
Ending the Instagram post, he wrote: “It’s hot. Look out for each other, please. You’ve got this.”
The World Scout Jamboree is the organisation’s biggest event and takes place every four years, with Scouts from around the world attending.
Almost 40,000 participants from 155 countries are attending this year’s event.
A spokesperson for the UK Scouts, said: “UK Scouts are transferring our young people and adult volunteers from the Jamboree site at SaeManGeum to Seoul.
“We will start moving our people to hotel accommodation over the next two days. As we are the largest contingent, our hope is that this helps alleviate the pressure on the site overall.”
The Scouts are due to return to the UK, as planned, on 13 August.