Title: South Korea Evacuates Teenage Scouts from World Scout Jamboree Campsite Ahead of Approaching Typhoon
South Korea has taken swift action to evacuate a majority of teenage scouts from the campsite of the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Buan, as Typhoon Khanun approaches the southwest region. Over 1,000 buses were deployed to safely move scouts out of the area before the typhoon is expected to hit on Wednesday.
Out of the 36,000 participants at the jamboree, more than two-thirds have already left the campsite. Seoul and its surrounding province of Gyeonggi will accommodate nearly half of the scouts, while the rest will be accommodated in six other areas. This decision by South Korean organizers aims to minimize further problems at the jamboree, which marks the first global gathering of scouts since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event has already faced criticism due to illness outbreaks and concerns about organization and facilities. The British scout contingent, the largest group participating, left early citing poor sanitation and food quality. Following their lead, the US scout group also decided to depart.
Typhoon Khanun, which has wreaked havoc in southern Japan, is expected to bring heavy rain and winds of up to 125 kph to South Korea. As a result, the government has raised its typhoon alert to the highest level, closing certain roads, trails, and beaches in preparation. President Yoon Suk Yeol has urged thorough preparations to ensure the safety of scouts and has warned about potential damage in areas previously affected by heavy rain.
In light of the typhoon, Poland, the host of the next World Scout Jamboree in 2027, canceled plans to attend the closing ceremony. Originally scheduled for Thursday, the ceremony will now be held on Saturday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Despite the challenges posed by Typhoon Khanun, South Korea has a track record of successful major event hosting, including the Olympics and the soccer World Cup. It is currently bidding to host the Expo in 2030, demonstrating its commitment to organizing and managing significant global gatherings.
In the face of adversity, South Korea is prioritizing the safety and well-being of the world’s scouts, ensuring this historic jamboree will be remembered for its resilience and dedication to the scout movement.
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