Prime Minister Han Orders Preemptive Measures for Heavy Snow and Cold Wave... "Do Your Best to Prevent Safety Accidents"

Instructions for Preventing Pipe Freezing, Pre-application of Deicing Agents, and Inspection of Housing Facilities for Vulnerable Groups

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo instructed to prepare in advance to prevent citizen inconvenience and damage as heavy snow warnings and severe cold are forecasted from the 21st, mainly in central regions including Seoul and the northern and eastern parts of Gyeonggi Province.

On the afternoon of the 20th, Prime Minister Han directed the Minister of the Interior and Safety, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and heads of local governments to "take measures such as pre-application of de-icing agents in dangerous areas like roads, bridges, and tunnels, and management of public transportation to ensure no inconvenience for citizens commuting to work," according to the Prime Minister's Office.

He also ordered, "Make every effort to prevent safety accidents by strengthening follow-up snow removal measures in preparation for road icing during rush hour."

Specifically, he asked the Minister of the Interior and Safety and the Commissioner of the Fire Agency to "establish an emergency preparedness system for preventing facility damage such as water pipe and meter freezing and fires, and for prompt response in case of damage," and instructed the Minister of Health and Welfare and local government heads to "conduct intensive inspections and support for vulnerable groups such as homeless people and the elderly, as well as for vulnerable facilities and households like jjokbangchon (small rooms) and gosiwon (boarding houses) to ensure their safety."

He further ordered the Minister of the Interior and Safety and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to "thoroughly prepare for safety accidents by pre-inspecting facilities such as vinyl greenhouses, livestock barns, and old buildings to prevent facility damage that may occur due to snowfall."

Prime Minister Han also instructed the Minister of Employment and Labor to "prepare and implement workplace safety management measures to ensure safe work for outdoor workers at construction sites and other locations."

Additionally, he added to the Minister of the Interior and Safety and the Director of the Korea Meteorological Administration to "timely inform the public through disaster texts and broadcasts about commuting traffic information and cold wave health management measures so that they can prepare in advance."

Meanwhile, the Korea Meteorological Administration issued a preliminary heavy snow warning for all areas of Seoul and the central region on the same day. The expected snowfall on the 21st is ▲5 to 10 cm (with some areas exceeding 15 cm) in northern and eastern Gyeonggi, inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, and mountainous areas of Jeju Island ▲2 to 8 cm in Seoul, Incheon, southwestern Gyeonggi, central and northern Chungbuk, and northern inland Gyeongbuk ▲1 to 3 cm in Chungcheong Province (excluding central and northern Chungbuk), eastern Jeonbuk, central and southern inland Gyeongbuk, western inland Gyeongnam, and the five western islands of the West Sea.

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