Gangwon Yeongdong Expects Up to 10cm of Heavy Snow... Emergency Level 1 Response Activated for Heavy Snow Advisory

Gangwon Province Expects Over 10 cm of Snow in Yeongdong Region
Emergency Response Activated; 163 Snow Removal Vehicles Deployed
Inspections of Vulnerable Facilities and Closure of 21 Hiking Trails

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province announced that, as of 10 p.m. on December 11, it has entered Emergency Level 1 duty at the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to minimize disaster damage following the issuance of a heavy snow advisory centered on the Yeongdong region, including Donghae, Samcheok, and Goseong.

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province entered Emergency Level 1 duty at the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to minimize disaster damage following the issuance of a heavy snow advisory centered on the Yeongdong region, including Donghae, Samcheok, and Goseong, at 10 p.m. on the 11th. The photo shows the Baekdudaegan area covered in a snowy landscape as seen from the summit of Hangyeryeong in Yangyang County, where heavy snow fell on November 26. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

With heavy snowfall expected to intensify overnight, the province has swiftly activated its emergency response system and is mobilizing all available resources to prepare for potential disaster situations.

According to reports from the Korea Meteorological Administration and the Gangwon Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, a heavy snow advisory is currently in effect for certain areas such as Donghae, Samcheok, and Goseong, while preliminary advisories have been issued for additional regions, heightening the level of alert.

At present, accumulated snowfall has reached 2.9 cm in Yangyang and 2.4 cm in Sokcho. Forecasts predict that the east coast and mountainous areas will receive 3 to 8 cm of snow by December 12, with some places expected to see more than 10 cm. A heavy snow advisory is issued when more than 5 cm of snow is expected within 24 hours.

In response, Gangwon Province declared Emergency Level 1 at 8:10 p.m. on December 11, when the preliminary heavy snow advisory was issued. A total of 168 emergency personnel (53 from the province and 115 from cities and counties) have been deployed, along with 163 snow removal vehicles and 189 workers, to focus all efforts on snow removal operations.

To prevent road icing, Gangwon Province has used a total of 510 tons of de-icing agents, including 10 tons of calcium chloride and 500 tons of salt. In particular, snow removal equipment and materials have been pre-positioned in hazardous areas to proactively address the risk of black ice during vulnerable time periods. The province is also conducting inspections and monitoring of vulnerable facilities, such as greenhouses, and residences of at-risk groups to minimize the possibility of damage.

So far, there have been no reported casualties or property damage. However, for safety reasons, access is being restricted. A total of 21 hiking trails, including 14 in Seoraksan and 7 in Odaesan, have been closed to the public since 6 p.m.

Gangwon Province has urgently provided guidance on weather conditions, safe driving on snowy roads, and facility management through disaster text alerts (2 times), SMS messages (to 218 people), and 9 electronic display boards.

A Gangwon Province official stated, "We will continue emergency operations by stationing snow removal vehicles in vulnerable areas and maintaining an emergency contact system in preparation for heavy snowfall overnight," adding, "We urge residents to pay special attention to safe driving on snowy roads and to the management of facilities."

Gangwon Province will continue to closely monitor snowfall conditions and maintain a rapid initial response posture in accordance with weather advisories.