Another Sand Wind Expected

It is expected powerful yellow sand and dust wind that culminated in Inner Mongolia region of China will blow over the Korean Peninsula in the afternoon of April 12.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasted on April 11, “Strong yellow sands culminated in China is currently riding northwest air stream, and slowly moving southeastward toward the Korean Peninsula,” and added, “After a passing rain in the day of April 12, the yellow sands will be observed beginning from the central region of South Korea in the afternoon.”

The yellow sand this time will spread from the central region of South Korea to the nation during the night of April 12, and the weatherman says it will affect the Korean Peninsula at least for two or three days.

Accordingly it is advised not to go picnics as much as possible and to be aware of personal hygiene such as washing hands and feet whenever coming home from outdoor activities.

This yellow sandstorm is the second incident recently following a large-scale yellow sandstorm, which has withdrawn from South Korea on April 10, recording 13 days of the yellow sand observation in the Korean Peninsula by far this year alone.

The weatherman in the KMA said, "Considering the weather conditions, the yellow sand winds will frequently affect the Korean peninsula at least till early May," and added, "We are worried about numerous harms thereof such as disruptions of various school activities, and rapid rise of pulmonary diseases."

Lee gdt@donga.com