Heavy Snowfall Triggers Alerts Across South Korea During Lunar New Year Holiday

Seoul: Heavy snow and rain are forecast to affect many parts of South Korea on Monday during the extended Lunar New Year holiday, prompting authorities to raise the weather alert and brace for possible disruptions. This year's Lunar New Year holiday, known as Seol, was extended to six days, lasting until Thursday, after the government designated Monday as a temporary national holiday. According to Lao News Agency, snowfall of 10 to 20 centimeters is expected in the greater Seoul area, parts of Gyeonggi Province, and southern regions of the country to continue through Wednesday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). In some areas, such as Gangwon's inland and mountainous regions, eastern North Jeolla Province, and the southern island of Jeju, snowfall could exceed 30 centimeters, according to the KMA. A snowfall advisory is issued when 5 centimeters or more of snow is expected within a 24-hour period. The Ministry of Interior and Safety said it had activated the Central Disaster and Saf ety Countermeasure Headquarters. Acting Interior Minister Ko Ki-dong instructed relevant agencies to mobilize all personnel and equipment to minimize damage from heavy snowfall and implement measures to reduce traffic congestion as millions of people head to their hometowns for one of the country's two major traditional holidays. In response to the forecast, the Seoul metropolitan government has also raised its alert to the second-highest level. A total of 9,685 workers have been mobilized, along with 1,424 snow-clearing vehicles and pieces of equipment, to ensure public safety and reduce disruptions.