South Korea brought to a standstill by record-breaking snowstorm
The most significant snowstorms in South Korea in nearly 120 years have resulted in the deaths of at least five people. In Seoul, the capital, more than 41 centimetres of snow accumulated, leading to transportation chaos. This information was provided by the Ministry of the Interior.
The greatest snowstorms in 117 years hit South Korea, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals. Fatalities occurred in Gyeonggi province, with three people killed when structures collapsed under the snow's weight, and two falling victim to road accidents on highways east of the capital.
According to Yonhap, locally in Seoul, more than 41 centimetres of snow were recorded, paralysing local transport. The Ministry of the Interior reported numerous communication disruptions. Branches, unable to support the snow's burden, fell on power lines, breaking them and leaving many residents without electricity. Numerous roads and railway lines were blocked.
Heavy snowfalls led to the cancellation of 156 flights, including 114 international ones. Disruptions also impacted ferry and rail transport. In a pile-up involving 53 vehicles in Gangwon province, 11 people were injured. The accident was attributed to black ice.
Snowstorms paralysed South Korea
Meteorologists indicate that the snowstorms are the result of 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 one meteorological station in the city showed that the snow layer was 28 centimetres thick. Meteorologists note that this is "rare not only for November but winter overall." The record snowfall was set in Seoul on 24 March 1922, when 30 centimetres of snow fell.
According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, Wednesday's snowfall was the third-largest recorded in the capital since measurements began in 1907. The meteorological situation has slightly improved now.
