Seoul, South Korea, has been battered by an intense winter storm, resulting in record snowfall and multiple deaths across the region. The city recently experienced its third-heaviest snowfall since records began in 1907, with over 16 inches of snow blanketing parts of the capital. The extreme weather conditions led to the cancellation of more than 140 flights and 76 ferry routes, disrupting travel plans for many residents and visitors.
The heavy snowfall also caused the closure of nearly 1,300 schools and left numerous homes without power, further exacerbating the impact of the storm on the local population. In response, the Seoul metropolitan government deployed over 11,000 personnel to clear roads and alleviate traffic congestion in the city. Despite these efforts, the storm’s toll on the community has been significant, with reports of six deaths linked to weather-related incidents.
Experts have suggested that the unusual storm may be attributed to a combination of warmer sea temperatures to the west of the Korean peninsula interacting with extreme cold air currents, creating the perfect conditions for heavy snowfall. Authorities have urged residents in provinces like Chungcheong and Jeolla to prepare for additional snowfall in the coming days, with some regions expected to see continued snow through the weekend.
Tragically, the snowstorm has resulted in a series of fatal accidents, including a bus skidding on an icy road, causing a massive pile-up involving 53 vehicles. Structurally, collapses have claimed lives as well, with incidents at a golf range and a car park resulting in fatalities and injuries. The weight of the snow also led to a tree collapsing on a man as he attempted to clear it, further highlighting the dangers posed by the extreme weather conditions.
While heavy snowfall can create picturesque winter scenes, it can also have devastating consequences, as seen in past incidents like the collapse of a roof at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport in 2010. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring. As South Korea grapples with the aftermath of this intense winter storm, the community must come together to support those affected and enhance preparedness for future extreme weather events.