Scout jamboree to end early amid typhoon warning
The World Scout Jamboree in South Korea will end early due to a typhoon warning, organisers said on Monday, after thousands of scouts pulled out over an extreme heatwave. "The World Organization of the Scout Movement received confirmation this morning from the Government of the Republic of Korea that due to the expected impact of Typhoon Khanun, an early departure will be planned for all participants," the scout body said in a statement. About 43,000 people joined the jamboree in North Jeolla province, but an extreme heatwave caused hundreds of scouts to fall ill, forcing Seoul to deploy military doctors, offer air-conditioned buses and vow an all-out effort to salvage the event. "We urgently call on the Government to expedite the plan for departure and provide all necessary resources and support for participants during their stay and until they return to their home countries," the scout body said. American and British scout groups withdrew at the weekend, citing concerns over the extreme weather, even as organisers said the jamboree would continue, urging participants to view the event as a "platform for overcoming challenges". But the event now faces a typhoon warning, with the storm expected to hit most parts of the country later this week. No details have been given on where the participants will stay until they return home. The Scout Association of Hong Kong said its more than 460 members are expected to leave the jamboree site on or before Wednesday.  It said arrangements are being made to move them to a safe location and return them to Hong Kong as soon as possible. The association added that it'll be in close contact with the Chinese embassy in South Korea and the SAR government over the matter. (AFP, additional reporting by RTHK)