Gangwon Province Mobilizes All-Out Response to Minimize Cold Wave Damage... Raises Cold Wave Emergency to Level 1

Gangwon Province Fully Operates 1,719 Cold Wave Shelters, Including Convenience Stores
Strengthening Proactive Safety Measures for Cold-Related Illnesses, Vulnerable Groups, and Pipe Freezing Prevention

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) has strengthened its cold wave response system following the Korea Meteorological Administration's announcement that, starting at 9 p.m. on January 20, the number of regions under a cold wave warning will expand from 8 to 12 cities and counties.

A panoramic view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that, until this weekend, morning temperatures in the inland and mountainous areas of the province will drop to around minus 13 to 16 degrees Celsius. Accordingly, starting at 9 p.m. on January 20, cold wave warnings will be newly issued for Jeongseon (plains), Wonju, Taebaek, and Yeongwol, bringing the total number of cities and counties under warning to 12.

With the cold wave advisory issued across the entire province for the first time this year, the provincial government held a countermeasure meeting in the afternoon of January 19 and activated its initial response system. On January 20 at 3 p.m., the emergency response level for the cold wave was raised to Level 1, and efforts to minimize damage were initiated.

The province distributed winter supplies to 57 vulnerable households in 12 cities and counties, and deployed 1,736 life support workers to protect other at-risk groups. These workers are providing tailored care services to 25,897 individuals, checking on their safety and providing behavioral guidelines at least once daily via phone or in-person visits.

To prepare for cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite, a cold-related emergency room surveillance system is being operated with the participation of 27 emergency medical institutions in the province. A joint response system is also being maintained, involving public health centers, regional emergency medical centers, and fire stations.

All 1,719 cold wave shelters in the province are fully operational, with 519 open at night and 722 open on holidays as well. Additionally, since January 19, 1,236 winter warmers and 12,960 hot packs have been provided to some shelters.

Alongside these measures, the province is strengthening public awareness campaigns for everyday prevention, such as preventing water pipe and water meter freezing and managing the insulation of agricultural, fisheries, and livestock facilities. Weather forecasts from the Korea Meteorological Administration are being continuously monitored.

Weather alerts and cold wave behavioral guidelines will be provided as needed through disaster text messages and village broadcasts.

Jeon Jaeseop, Director of Disaster and Safety at Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "Starting today, which marks Daehan, the coldest period of the year according to the lunar calendar, the longest cold wave of this winter will begin." He urged, "The province and local governments must thoroughly implement preemptive measures to protect vulnerable groups, prevent water meter freezing, and avoid damage to agriculture, livestock, and fisheries." He also advised, "Residents should refrain from going outdoors and strictly follow cold wave safety guidelines to take special care of their health."