Snow Forecast Across Seoul... City Implements Emergency Snow Removal Operations

Due to COVID-19 social distancing measures and the continuous Arctic cold wave, the parking lot of an apartment in Seoul is filled with cars on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] On the afternoon of the 10th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government entered an emergency duty system by pre-deploying snow removal equipment and spreading de-icing agents in anticipation of snowfall across the entire city of Seoul.

Han Je-hyun, Director of the Seoul Safety General Office, said in an online briefing that day, "It is forecasted that about 1 cm of snow will fall across all areas of Seoul in the afternoon," adding, "From 11 a.m., we have issued Snow Removal Measure Level 1, entered an emergency duty system, and are operating a 24-hour situation room."

Considering the significant inconvenience caused to citizens due to delayed response during the snowfall on the 6th, the city responded promptly this time. Director Han stated, "We have pre-positioned over 830 snow removal vehicles and personnel in key areas and pre-applied de-icing agents such as calcium chloride mainly on steep slopes and vulnerable roads. Through swift snow removal operations, we will respond immediately to sudden heavy snowfall to ensure there are no traffic disruptions."

According to the city, the total roads subject to snow removal number 16,060 routes, spanning 8,282 km. Snow clearing on urban expressways and main roads was completed on the 7th, and on local roads on the 9th. Director Han added, "We have also completed snow removal at 490 vulnerable points such as mountain passes difficult to access structurally, underpasses, and bridge ramps. Although some snow remains in alleyways and ice removal work is ongoing, we aim to finish early."

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