Seoul City Initiates 'Snow Removal Level 1' Emergency Duty Ahead of 1-3cm Snowfall Forecast

A snowman has been made under Cheonho Bridge in Seoul on the 8th, as the Arctic cold wave reaches its peak. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Seoul City announced on the afternoon of the 12th that it has entered Level 1 emergency snow removal duty from noon due to a forecast of 1 to 3 cm of snowfall in the metropolitan area.

With the Level 1 situation declared, about 4,000 personnel and over 1,000 snow removal vehicles and equipment are preparing for snow removal operations. Deicing agents will be pre-applied to steep slopes and vulnerable roads.

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has also been requested to cooperate to prevent delays in snow removal vehicle operations caused by traffic congestion.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that snow will fall mainly in inland areas from the afternoon through the night.

Seoul City faced public criticism for failing to carry out timely snow removal operations during the heavy snowfall on the 6th and 7th. Numerous vehicle accidents and traffic jams caused city buses to be stuck, leaving many citizens stranded and experiencing inconvenience and confusion in harsh weather conditions.

Han Je-hyun, Director of Seoul City's Safety General Office, said, "Since the snow may continue until the evening rush hour today, we urge citizens to refrain from using private cars when leaving work and to use public transportation."

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