On the day after record snowfall cleanup continues

Due to a record snowfall Monday, workers were busy clearing snow from roads in residential zones and sidewalks yesterday.

The roads leading to Inwang and Bukhan mountains in Seoul were still difficult but traffic conditions in Seoul had somewhat returned to normal.

Most of snow that was piled up on major expressways around the capital was removed.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government mobilized some 49,000 workers, including military forces and police, and some 1,500 pieces of equipment to clear snow.

The government also sprinkled deicer on the ground to remove ice and snow.

Gyeonggi Province engaged in additional snow-removing work yesterday with some 40,000 individuals and 2,800 pieces of equipment following snow clearing work Monday night.

After clearing the snow, Gyeonggi workers sprinkled calcium chloride to keep them from icing over.

Seoul street cleaners had to work extra hours yesterday, starting at 5 a.m. and working until 8 p.m.

Yu Dae-won, 55, a street cleaner from the Mapo District Office in western Seoul, cleared a way for cars and pedestrians by wiping off roads in front of Seoul Garden Hotel. Wearing yellow work clothes, black training shoes, gloves and ear flaps, he piled snow to the side of a road and broke ice with a shovel.

“There was no end to the work due to large piles of snow. I even felt sorry for those who were cautiously walking along the street,” said Yu.

His designated duty is to remove trash from streets but he had to change roles on the day of record snowfall.

Some local governments received a lot of phone calls asking for snow removal. However, those governments responded that there are limits and persuaded callers to clear snow that is in front of their residences.

Meanwhile, operations at Gimpo International Airport returned to normal as snow on runways was completely removed.

The biggest snowfall on record this century paralyzed Seoul’s transportation system Monday.

A total of 25.8 centimeters (10.2 inches) of snow fell in Seoul, replacing the previous high of 25.6 centimeters set on Jan. 28, 1969.

By Lee Min-yong [smartpower@joongang.co.kr]