South Korea is experiencing its second consecutive day of heavy snowfall, which has resulted in at least five fatalities, the cancellation of dozens of flights, and the suspension of ferry services.
Although there are signs of improving weather conditions, yesterday’s snowfall marked the third heaviest recorded in Seoul since records began in 1907, according to data from the city cited by the Yonhap news agency.
As of 8:00 a.m. local time, over 40 centimetres of snow blanketed parts of Seoul. While the heavy snow warning for the metropolitan area was lifted by 10:00 a.m. today, the national meteorological service stated that alerts remain in effect for other southern regions of the country.
Yonhap reported that at least five snow-related deaths were recorded in Gyeonggi Province, which borders Seoul. Four of the victims were killed when structures collapsed under the weight of the snow, while one died in a bus accident caused by icy roads.
In addition, police reported that 11 people were injured last night in a 53-vehicle pileup on a highway in the city of Wonju, located in Gangwon Province, central South Korea.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, 156 flights were cancelled, operations of 104 ferries were disrupted, and 131 power outages were reported across the country. Media outlets also reported train delays.
Incheon International Airport, Seoul’s main hub, was particularly affected, with passengers facing average delays of two hours. According to the flight tracking website Flightradar24, 31% of flights were delayed and 16% cancelled today.
By noon local time, authorities in Gyeonggi Province reported the closure of 1,285 schools, including kindergartens and daycare centres.
This unusually heavy snowfall for November is attributed to warmer-than-usual sea temperatures off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula interacting with cold air currents.
Neighbouring North Korea also experienced significant snowfall, with more than 10 centimetres falling in some areas between Tuesday and Wednesday, according to state broadcaster Korean Central Television.
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Source: ANA-MPA
