[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] As yellow dust originating from China flows into South Korea, a yellow dust crisis alert at the 'Interest' level was issued at 5 p.m. on the 12th for Daejeon, Sejong, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Gwangju, Jeonbuk, and Jeonnam. The 'Interest' level of the yellow dust crisis alert is issued when fine dust (PM10) levels are expected to be 'very bad' (exceeding 150㎍/㎥) due to yellow dust.
This is the first yellow dust crisis alert issued this year, with the most recent alert previously issued nationwide at the 'Caution' level on May 7-8 last year. This yellow dust originated from the Gobi Desert and the Inner Mongolian Plateau on the 11th, moving southeastward with the northwest wind, and began to be observed from the West Sea Five Islands starting at 7:30 p.m. on the 12th. The yellow dust is expected to affect the country until the 13th and then retreat on the 14th.
The National Institute of Environmental Research forecasted that on the 13th, fine dust levels will be very bad in Chungcheong and Honam regions, while other areas will experience bad levels. Among the regions expected to have bad fine dust levels, the metropolitan area, Gangwon, and Jeju are expected to have temporarily very bad fine dust levels in the morning, and Yeongnam is expected to have temporarily very bad levels in the afternoon.
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