Heavy Snow in Seoul Metropolitan Area, Gangwon, and Chungcheong Regions... Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at Level 1, Crisis Alert Raised to 'Caution'

Crisis Alert Level Raised from Interest to Caution
Request for Snow Removal at Roads, Subway Stations, and Bus Stops

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] On the morning of the 15th, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that due to the heavy snow warning issued for the central regions including Seoul, Gangwon, Sejong, Gyeonggi, and Chungnam, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) activated Level 1 at 9 a.m. and raised the crisis alert level from 'Interest' to 'Caution'.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, more than 10cm of snow is expected in eastern Gyeonggi, central and southern inland Gangwon, and northern Chungbuk, while 3 to 8cm of snow is forecasted for the Seoul metropolitan area, inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, inland Chungnam, and central and northern Chungbuk.

Lee Sang-min, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of the Interior and Safety), requested related ministries and local governments to thoroughly carry out road snow removal operations and follow-up snow removal around side roads, subway stations, and bus stops.

He ordered snow removal operations using all available resources in vulnerable areas such as boundary and connecting roads linking national highways and expressways to local roads, tunnel entrances and exits, bridges, and ramp sections prone to snow accumulation and icing.

After clearing major roads, he asked for thorough follow-up snow removal work on side roads frequently used by residents, around subway stations and bus stops, and near schools and daycare centers.

Since snow accumulation is expected, he guided to carry out snow removal operations on vulnerable facilities such as vinyl greenhouses to prevent damage, and urged strict management to prevent freezing damage to meters and water pipes caused by the cold wave.

Lee Sang-min, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said, "Due to continuous heavy snowfall and cold waves, special attention is required to prevent slip accidents and cold-related illnesses," adding, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and related agencies will promptly carry out snow removal to minimize inconvenience for citizens during their commute home."

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