Cold Wave Alert Raised to 'Caution' Amid Strong Winds, Heavy Snow, and Cold Snap... Government Strengthens Response System (Comprehensive)

Over 20 cm of Snow Expected in Chungcheong and Jeolla Regions
Cooperation with Fire Department, Police, and Local Governments

On January 10, as heavy snowfall and a cold wave were forecast, the government announced plans to strengthen its response system for weekends and nighttime, aiming to minimize casualties.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety conducted an emergency inspection of the response status to heavy snow and cold waves on January 10, led by Kim Kwangyong, Director-General for Disaster and Safety Management. Earlier, at 3 p.m., the ministry had raised the cold wave disaster alert level from "Attention" to "Caution."

On this day, around 20 centimeters of heavy snow fell in the Gangwon region, and up to an additional 20 centimeters of snow is expected, especially in the Chungcheong and Jeolla regions, by January 11.

Additionally, due to the influx of cold air from the northwest, strong winds and gusts with maximum instantaneous speeds exceeding 100 km/h (30 m/s) are occurring, and cold wave advisories are being expanded as temperatures drop.

Out of 183 special advisory zones nationwide, cold wave advisories have been issued for 118 zones. Among these, cold wave warnings are in effect for 12 zones, and cold wave watches for 106 zones.

At 2:57 p.m. on the 10th, exterior finishing materials fell off a villa in Bakchon-dong, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, due to strong winds. Photo by Yonhap News

Director-General Kim expressed concern that heavy snow accompanied by strong winds could lead to structural collapses resulting in casualties and property damage, and urged all agencies to strengthen their response systems for weekends and nighttime hours.

In particular, as the cold wave disaster alert level has been raised to "Caution," the government is urgently strengthening its emergency response system in cooperation with relevant agencies such as the fire department, police, and local governments to minimize damage.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will take the lead in implementing emergency duty, while both central and local governments will reinforce their situation management systems in preparation for any contingencies. Other central ministries, including the Ministry of Employment and Labor, will also switch to emergency duty systems for their respective areas of work.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare will implement tailored, close-contact management for those vulnerable to the cold wave. In addition, the government recommends extending the operation of cold wave shelters to cover holidays and nighttime hours, and will designate and operate emergency shelters to ensure that casualties from the cold wave are minimized.