An air quality alert has been issued for Seoul, Incheon, and the surrounding regions due to increased fine dust from forest fires in China and domestic pollution.
On the 16th, an air quality alert at the 'attention' level was issued for the regions of Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Chungnam due to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This is the third such alert this year, triggering emergency response measures starting on the 17th to curb pollution. The Climate, Energy and Environment Ministry reported that the alert was issued because the area met the emergency response criteria due to both residual fine dust from the previous day and incoming dust from abroad.
The National Institute of Environmental Research explained that the high levels of fine dust were primarily caused by forest fires in the Liaoning province of China on the 14th, which contributed to the influx of dust alongside stagnant domestic air pollution. Consequently, emergency reduction measures, including limiting the output of three coal-fired power plants in Incheon to 80%, will be implemented starting 6 AM on the 17th. Additionally, construction sites are required to adjust working hours and increase dust control measures like applying dust covers.
From 6 AM to 9 PM on the 17th, vehicles classified as Grade 5 in emissions will face operational restrictions, with violators facing fines of 100,000 KRW. Local public institutions will also implement vehicle driving restrictions. The measures aim to mitigate the effects of the fine dust pollution, ensuring public health and safety as the environment experiences worsening air quality due to external and internal factors.
