The Ministry of the Interior and Safety urged stronger response systems to prevent loss of life and property as strong winds and heavy snow are forecast for this weekend.

Kim Kwang-yong, head of the Disaster Safety Management Office at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, chairs an emergency review meeting on response by related agencies to heavy snow and cold waves for the 9th–12th at the Central Disaster and Safety Situation Room in the Government Complex Sejong on the 10th./Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) said on the 10th that, chaired by Disaster Safety Management Office Director Kim Gwang-yong, it inspected the response status for heavy snow and cold waves with related agencies.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) raised the cold wave disaster alert level from "attention" to "caution" at 3 p.m. that day. About 20 centimeters of heavy snow fell in Gangwon, and in the Chungcheong and Jeolla regions, an additional 20 centimeters of snow is expected through the 11th.

Of the 183 special warning zones nationwide, cold wave warnings were issued for 12, and cold wave advisories for 106.

Deputy Minister Kim said concerns are growing over structural collapse accidents due to heavy snow and strong winds, and asked each related agency to strengthen response systems for weekends and nighttime hours.

The government will strengthen its emergency response system in cooperation with related agencies, including the fire service, police, and local governments. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) and the Labor Ministry will implement emergency duty, and the Welfare Ministry will provide close support for those vulnerable to the cold.

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