Ministry of the Interior and Safety Holds Emergency Meeting on Strong Winds and Heavy Snow Safety Measures on 28-29

On the 18th, citizens are walking in the falling snow on Taepyeong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The Ministry of the Interior and Safety held an emergency countermeasure meeting on the afternoon of the 27th in response to forecasts of very strong winds nationwide on the 28th and 29th, along with heavy snowfall expected in some areas.

The meeting was attended by related ministries including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and 17 metropolitan and provincial governments. Comprehensive discussions were held on safety management of outdoor facilities, fishing boats and vessels in preparation for strong winds and high waves, as well as measures against heavy snow and cold waves.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, typhoon-level strong winds with maximum instantaneous wind speeds exceeding 90 km/h are forecasted for the 28th and 29th. Nationwide snow or rain is also expected starting from the 28th. In the central inland and Jeolla regions, snow accumulation of up to 10 to 15 cm is possible.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety reported that during the meeting, measures to prevent recurrence were also discussed amid ongoing search efforts for the missing persons from the sinking of the Daeyangho off Geoje Island on the 23rd. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Coast Guard were instructed to enforce proactive departure controls and management, and vessels operating in distant waters were urged to evacuate promptly.

In light of the recent spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), safety measures were also strengthened for related facilities such as temporary screening clinics set up outdoors in tent form, including securing and dismantling them.

For long-span bridges such as the Seohae Bridge, where vortex formation can increase the risk of traffic accidents, strict control or speed reduction measures according to facility standards are to be implemented during strong winds.

Additionally, surveillance activities will be intensified for outdoor signboards, outdoor construction sites, and agricultural, fishery, and livestock facilities such as vinyl greenhouses. Snow removal measures were also discussed, including pre-application of de-icing agents, promotion of public transportation use, and increasing public transportation services in preparation for possible snowfall during commuting hours.

Furthermore, close protection measures such as welfare checks and home nursing through disaster helpers like life support workers will be implemented for vulnerable groups including elderly living alone and residents of small rooms.