Seoul City Elevates Snow Removal Emergency Duty to Level 2 Amid Heavy Snow Warning

On the 12th, when heavy snow fell mainly in Seoul, the metropolitan area, and the west coast, citizens were bustling on the streets of Sinchon, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will raise the snow removal emergency response to level 2 following the Korea Meteorological Administration's issuance of a heavy snow advisory for the southeastern and southwestern areas of Seoul at 3:40 PM on the 12th.

The city began level 1 emergency response at noon on the same day. At level 1, snow removal personnel and vehicles stand by and de-icing agents are pre-applied.

At level 2, actual snow removal operations are carried out. Approximately 4,000 personnel and around 1,000 vehicles and equipment are deployed.

The snow removal emergency response has up to three levels, with level 3 involving the deployment of additional reserve personnel and equipment. Given the current snowfall conditions, the city has determined that it is not necessary to escalate to level 3 and is proceeding with snow removal operations accordingly.

The areas under the heavy snow advisory currently include the southeastern districts of Songpa, Gangnam, Seocho, and Gangdong, and the southwestern districts of Gangseo, Gwanak, Yangcheon, Guro, Dongjak, Yeongdeungpo, and Geumcheon. A heavy snow advisory is issued when snowfall is expected to accumulate 5 cm or more within 24 hours.

Previously, when heavy snow fell on the 6th and 7th of this month, the city failed to conduct timely snow removal operations, resulting in paralysis of city roads.

Han Je-hyun, Director of Safety Management at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 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.