Gov't sets up situation room to cope with heavy snow during winter

The government said Friday that it will operate a 24-hour situation room for the next four months to respond effectively to heavy snowfall that could cut off roads to traffic.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it will go on emergency standby footing from Nov. 15 through March 15, keep close track of the weather and check on road conditions across the country.

"Due to the country's geography and location there are heavy snowfalls that can swiftly make roads impassable," it said. "To prevent key roads from being blocked and ensure the safety of drivers there is a need to be prepared."

The ministry said it selected 179 "weak points" in the country's road system and will move to place snow clearing equipment and personnel where they will be needed the most in the coming months.

It said the comprehensive contingency plan also calls for using the country's railway and airlines to facilitate movement across the country in case roads become impassable.

As part of the preparation, some 383,000 tons of anti-snow and de-icing materials like calcium chloride will be stockpiled. This is up 130 percent compared to the year before.

The ministry said some 4,863 pieces of machinery such as special snow plows will be kept on standby along with more than 4,300 people who will be deployed to clear roads of ice and snow.

It, moreover, said some 700 automatic de-icing systems will be utilized on roads that are susceptible to freezing.

Authorities said that in mountainous areas where heavy snow will invariably lead to temporary closures of roads, drivers are advised to prepare for restrictions,

"Top priority will be placed on clearing roads before vehicle are allowed to pass, so cooperation and patience of drivers is of the utmost importance," it said. (Yonhap)

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