Winter Nationwide 'Frequent Ice Formation Zones' 2,900 Locations Guided by Navigation

Comprehensive Government-wide Measures for Heavy Snow and Cold Waves ... Full Inspection of 2,300 Aging Facilities at Risk of Collapse

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The government is strengthening the management of vulnerable structures such as old houses in preparation for heavy snow and cold waves this winter, and will provide voice guidance services through vehicle navigation systems in areas prone to frequent icing.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 12th that it reported a comprehensive heavy snow and cold wave countermeasure plan at the National Policy Issue Inspection and Coordination Meeting, prepared in collaboration with related ministries and local governments ahead of the winter natural disaster countermeasure period (November 15 to March 15 of next year).

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, this winter's temperature, precipitation, and snowfall are expected to be similar to the average year, but due to the influence of continental high pressure, there will be times when temperatures drop sharply, and heavy snowfall is forecast mainly along the west coast and Jeju Island.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will first conduct a full survey of 2,295 vulnerable structures such as old houses susceptible to snow load, designate dedicated public-private managers, and conduct on-site inspections at least three times before, during, and after heavy snow warnings. Snow removal vulnerable sections such as mountain passes and sharp curves will be classified into three grades according to risk, and customized snow removal measures will be implemented. Especially for the most vulnerable Grade 1 sections, if snowfall of 3 cm or more is expected, dedicated vehicles will be prioritized and deployed to begin snow removal operations.

To prevent road icing accidents, a 'Freezing Rain Prediction System' based on comprehensive analysis of temperature and precipitation will be used to predict vulnerable icing sections and preemptively spread deicing agents. Additionally, for 2,927 habitual icing sections with high winter traffic accident frequency, the government will disclose information through the Public Data Portal, and private navigation companies will apply this data to their devices to provide a 'Freezing Information Voice Guidance' service. When roads are closed due to heavy snow, a pilot service will also be operated to provide real-time detour route guidance to drivers.

At Jeju Airport, a system that automatically measures pavement temperature and preemptively sprays deicing agents is being piloted to enhance snow removal capability, and measures to alleviate inconveniences for stranded passengers during heavy snowfall are also being promoted.

To prevent casualties caused by cold waves, focused protection measures for high-risk groups vulnerable to hypothermia in winter will be implemented. In addition to existing social welfare and care personnel, disaster helpers such as community leaders and local autonomous disaster prevention groups will conduct close management including welfare checks and home nursing for vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone. Emergency sleeping arrangements or temporary housing support will be provided for homeless people and residents of small room villages.

Private and public facilities such as village halls will be designated as 'Cold Wave Shelters' to make them easily accessible to the public, with location information provided through the National Disaster Safety Portal and the Safety Stepping Stone app. However, considering the COVID-19 situation, the capacity of cold wave shelters will be limited according to social distancing levels, and mask-wearing and enhanced disinfection measures including the provision of sanitation supplies will be enforced.

Kim Hee-gyeom, Director of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said, "While the COVID-19 situation continues, there may be vulnerabilities in winter safety management due to heavy snow and cold waves. The government will prepare to activate the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters from the preliminary warning stage to proactively manage the situation, actively utilize disaster helpers to protect vulnerable groups, and do its best in winter safety management."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.