Gangwon, sweating amidst bad news due to ‘snow bomb’
Data photo of snow removal work in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do.
In Gangwon, where the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics will be held, there are high concerns that poor weather conditions, such as heavy snow and cold waves, may be detrimental to the successful hosting of the Games. In particular, the concerns of local residents who are hoping to revitalize the local economy through this competition are growing.
This competition, which opened on the 19th, is being held in Pyeongchang, Gangneung, Jeongseon, and Hoengseong. 1,802 athletes from 78 countries participated and competed for 81 medals in 7 games and 15 events. Considering not only the players, but also team officials and visitors, tens of thousands of people are flocking to the event.
With such a large-scale international convention being held, the host regions are expecting the effect of revitalizing the local economy centered on tourism, but they were anxious as heavy snow and other adverse weather events occurred.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the amount of snow accumulated in major areas of the province from 11 pm on the 18th to 7 am on the 21st was 44.0 cm in Wangsan, Gangneung, 40.5 cm in Sabdangryeong, 38.2 cm in Dogye, Samcheok, 32.2 cm in Misiryeong, 23.6 cm in Jochimryeong, and 22.9 cm in Taebaek. , North Gangneung 15.6cm, Daegwallyeong 15.5cm, etc.
As more snow is forecast to fall in major areas by the 22nd, a cold wave warning has been issued as of 9 p.m. on the 21st. Moreover, due to adverse weather conditions, some events related to the competition were canceled, and accidents such as traffic accidents and isolation on snowy roads continued.
Accordingly, on the 21st, major cities and counties in the host area responded with all their might to snow removal work, to the extent that the expression 'war against snow' was coined. Gangneung City Hall employees and residents mobilized various snow removal equipment to clear snow in various places, including Okgye-myeon, Gangneung-si. Villages in mountainous areas deployed agricultural machinery to secure passageways.
Pyeongchang County also rolled up its sleeves. As heavy snow fell centering on Daegwallyeong, the Pyeongchang-gun Comprehensive Situation Room emergency response system was activated to ensure smooth operation and viewing of the Olympic Games. 273km of 112 routes, including archipelagos, were selected for snow removal.
Approximately 3,800 tons of snow removal agents (salt and calcium chloride) and 2,500 ㎥ of sand are placed in the snow removal waiting area, and a total of 31 units of county office-owned equipment (Unimok, etc.) and rental equipment (snow removal dumpers, graders, etc.) are deployed forward to ensure smooth communication on major passes. Snow removal work was carried out.
Jeongseon-gun also began responding to heavy snowfall. It was decided to deploy military-owned Unimog vehicles at the entrance to Hi Castle Resort (volunteer accommodation) at all times during the competition, and 9 units of equipment from Gohan and Sabuk-eup were deployed to remove snow from the entrance to the Jeongseon Athletes' Village.
Jeongseon County Governor Choi Seung-jun said, “I am deeply grateful to the public officials and related officials for their hard work in running the event safely even in poor weather conditions,” and added, “We will provide generous support to ensure the safe operation of the event.” 19가이드03