Historic snowstorms wreak havoc in South Korea, claim lives
The largest snowstorms in nearly 120 years have struck South Korea, resulting in the deaths of at least five people. In Seoul, the country's capital, over 16 inches of snow fell, leading to transportation chaos. The Ministry of the Interior provided this information.
12:19 PM EST, November 28, 2024
The biggest snowstorms in 117 years hit South Korea, causing the deaths of at least five people. Fatalities were recorded in Gyeonggi Province. Three of the victims died when structures collapsed under the snow's weight, and two others were victims of road accidents on highways east of the capital.
According to the "Radio Zet" portal, more than 16 inches of snow were recorded in Seoul, which paralyzed local transport. The Ministry of the Interior reported numerous communication disruptions. Branches, unable to bear the snow's weight, fell on power lines, disrupting electricity for many residents. Numerous roads and railway lines were blocked.
Heavy snowfalls led to the cancellation of 156 flights, including 114 international ones. Disruptions also affected ferry and rail transport. In a pileup involving 53 vehicles in Gangwon Province, 11 people were injured. The cause of the accident was black ice.
Snowstorms paralyzed South Korea
Meteorologists indicate that the snowstorms are due to temperature differences between the relatively warm sea surface west of the Korean Peninsula and the cold air flowing over the country.
On Thursday morning, a measurement at a meteorological station in the city showed that the snow layer was 11 inches thick. Meteorologists point out that this is "rare not only in November but also in winter." The record for snowfall in Seoul was set on March 24, 1922, when 12 inches of snow fell.
According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, Wednesday's snowfall was the third-largest recorded in the country's capital since measurements began in 1907. The meteorological situation has slightly improved now.
