The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is strengthening emergency response readiness to minimize damage from snow and rain during the Samiljeol holiday period. The Korea Meteorological Administration predicts nationwide rain and snow from March 1st (Saturday) to March 5th (Wednesday), with forecasted snowfall of over 70cm particularly in the mountainous areas of Gangwon Province.
On the 28th, under the chairmanship of Ihan Kyung, Director General of the Disaster Safety Management Headquarters, a meeting was held to review responses to nationwide snowfall and rain conditions. The meeting was attended by various ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of SMEs and Startups, as well as the National Police Agency, Korea Coast Guard, Rural Development Administration, Korea Forest Service, Korea Meteorological Administration, all 17 cities and provinces, Korea Expressway Corporation, and Korea Electric Power Corporation.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain will begin nationwide on March 1st, and temperatures will drop from the night of March 2nd, expanding snowfall from the central inland areas centered on the Gangwon region. Due to the influence of easterly winds, snowfall could continue until the 5th in the Gangwon Mountains, and some areas are expected to receive over 70cm of heavy snowfall.
In response, the government plans to reinforce road patrols to ensure smooth traffic flow during the holiday period and has requested road management agencies to promptly provide information on detour routes according to traffic conditions. In addition, snow removal equipment and personnel will be deployed in advance in areas vulnerable to freezing, and they plan to proactively apply de-icing chemicals as needed even if there is no weather advisory.
Relevant agencies decided to strengthen drainage facility checks and establish a rapid response system, referring to cases of road flooding caused by heavy rains last winter. On February 19, 2024, drainage failure due to 137mm of heavy rain occurred in the Taehwagang Station area, leading to a 100-minute control of two out of six lanes. This incident serves as a lesson.
Additionally, to prevent the collapse of facilities vulnerable to heavy snow, such as greenhouses and tents, due to the weight of snow, pre-inspections will be strengthened, and quick evacuation measures for residents will be implemented if necessary.
Ihan Kyung, Director General of the Disaster Safety Management Headquarters, stated, “The government will thoroughly respond to complex weather conditions caused by snow and rain during the holiday period,” urging citizens to prepare for winter driving equipment when moving vehicles and to ensure traffic safety by reducing speed and maintaining a safe distance on icy roads.
Meanwhile, for public safety, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety provides a separate ‘Public Action Guideline for Heavy Snow’ for the public, which can be accessed on the ministry’s website for detailed information.
