Seoul Cold Wave Advisory at 9 PM... Seoul City Begins 24-Hour Emergency Duty

On the 16th at 9 PM, the Seoul Metropolitan Government issued a cold wave advisory for the entire city of Seoul and activated the Comprehensive Cold Wave Support Situation Room in cooperation with the 25 autonomous districts. Accordingly, a 24-hour emergency duty system will be in operation.

Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

The cold wave advisory is issued when the morning minimum temperature is expected to be below -12 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days, or when the morning minimum temperature drops by more than 10 degrees compared to the previous day and is expected to be 3 degrees Celsius or lower, or when a sudden cold snap is expected to cause significant damage. This cold wave advisory was issued due to the expectation of significant damage caused by a sudden cold snap.

The city operates the Comprehensive Cold Wave Support Situation Room, composed of the Situation Management Team, Life Support Team, Energy Recovery Team, Rescue and First Aid Team, and Medical and Quarantine Team, to prevent damage caused by the cold wave. The situation room monitors weather conditions, damage status, and the management status of vulnerable groups and facilities, and responds promptly if any damage occurs.

In particular, to prevent casualties among vulnerable elderly people, safety checks will be conducted through phone calls and visits, and meals with side dishes will be delivered to low-income elderly individuals. Patrols will be intensified in areas with a high concentration of homeless people on the streets, and winter supplies will also be distributed.

Choi Jin-seok, Director of Disaster and Safety Management at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "As temperatures are expected to drop sharply this weekend and severe cold around -10 degrees Celsius is forecasted until next week, please refrain from going out as much as possible, maintain warmth, take care of your health, and be cautious of safety accidents such as fire prevention."