HYAB urges Scout Association of Hong Kong to ensure safety of members participating in World Scout Jamboree

     The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) today (August 7) noted that the Scout Association of Hong Kong (SAHK) activated its emergency plan and decided to make arrangements for members participating in the World Scout Jamboree held at Saemangeum, Korea, to leave the campsite on or before August 9, as Typhoon Khanun is approaching Korea. Members will be relocated to a safe location and return to Hong Kong as early as possible. The HYAB urges the SAHK to implement relevant measures to ensure the safety of all participating members, particularly taking the health and safety of young members as the prime consideration.

     Since high temperatures persisted in the campsite and the local weather is expected to deteriorate rapidly, the HYAB has been keeping in close contact with the SAHK in the past few days and expressed concern over the health and safety of participating members. The HYAB provided assistance to the SAHK immediately after its decision, including liaising with the Immigration Department and the relevant airline such that the SAHK could arrange return trips for its members expeditiously. 

     The HYAB expressed grave concern over some SAHK members who may plan to stay behind to participate in events that have not yet been cancelled and arrange activities on their own. The HYAB urges again the SAHK to adopt appropriate measures to advise and assist members to immediately return to Hong Kong before the typhoon comes.