All-Out Response to Heavy Snow and Cold Waves... Government Enters "Winter Natural Disaster Preparedness Period"

Heavy-snow disaster text alerts expanded to all 227 cities, counties and districts nationwide
1.19 million tons of deicing agents stockpiled; emergency supply network activated

With temperatures expected to fluctuate widely this winter and the risk of localized heavy snowfall set to rise, the government will mount a coordinated, whole-of-government response to winter disasters for four months.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said it will designate November 15, 2026, through March 15, 2027, as the "Winter Natural Disaster Preparedness Period" and launch a full-scale response effort to minimize casualties and public inconvenience caused by heavy snow and cold waves.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, temperatures and precipitation this winter are forecast to be near or above the average. However, the expansion of cold continental high pressure, high sea temperatures and the temperature difference between the sea and the air could bring heavy snowfall to some areas. In response, the government will issue a "Watch" advisory for heavy snow and cold waves starting November 15 and operate a 24-hour situation-monitoring system with local governments.

First, the government will significantly expand its network for disseminating hazard information to prevent damage from heavy snow. The area covered by heavy-snow disaster text alerts, which are sent during hazardous weather, will be expanded from 101 pilot areas to all 227 cities, counties and districts nationwide. A total of 9,240 sites in five categories of areas at risk of winter disasters, including structures vulnerable to heavy snow accumulation and areas prone to icing where the risks of collapse and isolation are high, will be designated for intensive monitoring and inspected as needed during hazardous weather.

To prevent damage from wet snow, which has become more frequent in recent years, the government will improve snow-load design standards for buildings. For the first time in winter, it will also operate a "Resident Evacuation Support Team" to assist more than 5,100 people, including greenhouse owners and residents of mountain villages, who have difficulty evacuating on their own.

Snow-removal infrastructure has also been expanded in advance. On October 30, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety provided 10 billion won in special disaster grants to 16 provinces and metropolitan cities nationwide. Together with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and local governments, it has secured 1.19 million tons of deicing agents, equivalent to 126% of the amount used the previous year, and more than 50,000 pieces of equipment. Deicing agents will be spread one to two hours before snowfall is forecast, patrols will be stepped up during vulnerable late-night and early-morning hours (11 p.m. to 8 a.m. the following day), and real-time information on black-ice risks on roads will be provided through navigation apps.

Cold-wave measures will also be carried out comprehensively. In cooperation with post offices and financial institutions, the government has secured more than 66,000 cold-wave shelters, a substantial increase from 53,000 the previous year. It will operate 342 emergency shelters open 24 hours a day and 217 emergency sleeping facilities for homeless people and residents of jjokbang single-room housing, as well as more than 46,000 cold-wave mitigation facilities, including heated benches and windbreaks along pedestrian routes.

For more than 37,000 vulnerable people, including older adults living alone, the government will arrange welfare workers to check on their well-being and provide winter supplies. Low-income households will also receive additional support through energy vouchers and assistance with purchasing kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Yoon Ho-jung, Minister of the Interior and Safety, said, "Getting through the winter may be harder than usual for vulnerable groups this year. We will ensure that our response systems for heavy snow and cold waves are fully in place and do our utmost to protect the lives and safety of the public." He added, "I urge everyone to use public transportation and clear the snow in front of their homes during heavy snowfall, and to look out for the safety of those around them during cold waves."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.