'March Snow Bomb' Heavy Snow Warning for Seoul Metropolitan Area... Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Activated Level 1

CDSCH: "No Damage to Facilities or Human Life"

In late March, a sudden 'snow bomb' led to the issuance of heavy snow warnings in the Seoul metropolitan area and other regions. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety activated Level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and raised the heavy snow crisis alert level from 'Interest' to 'Caution.'

According to the CDSCH on the 18th, as of 5 a.m., the amount of newly fallen snow from the previous day was 11.9 cm in Gangbuk, Seoul; 9.5 cm in Gwanak, Seoul; 9.8 cm in Namyangju, Gyeonggi; 8.7 cm in Pocheon, Gyeonggi; 8.3 cm in Cheorwon, Gangwon; 7.6 cm in Hwacheon, Gangwon; and 6.1 cm in Dangjin, Chungnam. As of 6 a.m., there were no casualties or facility damages caused by the heavy snowfall. However, due to the heavy snow, six people from five households in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, were preemptively evacuated to a nearby senior center.

Yonhap News

Due to the heavy snow, some flights and passenger ships were canceled, and roads and national parks were blocked.

Two flights were canceled at Gimpo and Jeju airports, and seven road sections were closed in Jeonbuk, Gangwon, and Jeonnam.

Passenger ships on 53 routes with 66 vessels, including Mokpo~Hongdo and Baengnyeong~Incheon, also suspended operations.

Additionally, 369 sections across 15 national parks, including Bukhansan and Jirisan, were closed.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, heavy snow warnings are currently in effect for the Seoul metropolitan area, Chungcheong region, parts of inland Gangwon, Jeolla region, and western inland Gyeongsang. Snowfall is occurring at a rate of 3 to 5 cm per hour, mainly in western areas. Snow or rain is expected to fall across most of the country until tonight, when it will mostly cease.

At the CDSCH meeting, Go Gi-dong, acting Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and head of the CDSCH, urged related agencies to respond thoroughly.

Head Go said, "In the past, snow in March caused traffic congestion and isolation of vehicles, resulting in damage," adding, "We will maintain vigilance until the end to prevent any harm to the public from the heavy snow and will respond thoroughly together with related agencies."

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