Seoul, South Korea – A record snowfall, unprecedented in its severity for November, has disrupted life in South Korea’s capital, leading to multiple deaths, extensive power outages, and significant disruptions in travel. The snowstorm, which dumped over 16 inches of snow in some parts of the city, has been described as Seoul’s third-worst since observations began in 1907.
The extreme weather event led to the cancellation of more than 140 flights and 76 ferry routes, stranding thousands of travelers and crippling transportation networks. Additionally, officials were forced to close nearly 1,300 schools impacting education for a day.
In the wake of the storm, the Seoul metropolitan government deployed over 11,000 personnel to clear streets and mitigate traffic issues caused by the substantial snow accumulations. Despite these efforts, the storm has been linked to six fatalities. Structural failures resulted in four deaths, while two individuals lost their lives in traffic-related incidents.
The unusual weather pattern has been partly attributed to anomalously warm sea temperatures to the west of the Korean Peninsula, which met with a surge of frigid air. This rare climatic phenomenon exacerbated the storm’s intensity.
Regarding infrastructure, amid the snow chaos, emergency response teams have been stretched. Dramatic collapses included a golf range net and a car park protective tent giving way due to the weight of the snow. The incidents claimed lives and raised concerns about the readiness of structures to withstand such extreme weather conditions.
Authorities have issued warnings for more snowfall expected to affect various regions, including Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces, possibly extending into the weekend. These forecasts have prompted further advisories for residents to prepare for continued harsh conditions.
The impact of this storm highlights the broader challenges faced globally as weather events become more severe and unpredictable. Comparatively, events like the disastrous pile-up during a Texas snowstorm in 2021 underline the deadly potential of such severe weather patterns.
This ongoing situation in Seoul underscores the necessity for improved infrastructure resilience and enhanced emergency response strategies, especially as meteorological patterns continue to evolve in unpredictability and severity, likely driven by broader climatic changes worldwide. The community, still reeling from the immediate effects of the snow, must now consider long-term strategies to mitigate similar impacts in the future.