Romford children are among the British cohort to be evacuated from the campsite of a major international scout event after concerns over soaring heat and sanitation.
British children, including those from Romford at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea, have been moved into hotels in Seoul as temperatures rose to 35C.
The British group, the largest in attendance at 4,500, has been moved from the camp site at Saemangeum, UK Scouts confirmed today (August 7).
In a Facebook post, Romford Network Scouts said: “They [the scouts] are gutted by the situation, [but] they are making the most out of their time in South Korea.
“They also understand that this is what is best for the young people in order to ensure their safety.”
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Hundreds of people have been treated for heat-related illnesses at the jamboree, it has been reported.
Scouts from the UK arrived in Seoul on Sunday (August 6).
Matt Hyde, chief executive of UK Scouts, said: “We were concerned about young people and adult volunteers’ safety.
“It’s punishingly hot here in Korea,” he added.
Explaining the decision to move the scouts, Mr Hyde said that sanitation was a major concern and was also worried about the amount of food available.
One of those due to be part of the travelling party was Sophie Harrison from Hornchurch.
Before the trip, Sophie had said: “It is such a great feeling to be going to the jamboree.
“My mum is from Trinidad so I hope to find some scouts from there,” she added. “I also have family in Canada so looking for Canadian scouts too.”
The Romford contingent journeyed to Korea for the jamboree, which started on August 1 and is due to finish on August 12.
An estimated 40,000 scouts from around the world were expected to be in attendance.
Despite the problems, young people will travel home from August 13 as initally planned, UK Scouts confirmed.
Mr Hyde praised the resilience of adult and young scouts.
“They were singing campfire songs, someone was playing the piano – they are a credit to scouting,” he said.
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