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SEOUL – Sub-zero temperatures continue to grip the South Korean capital, causing dozens of water meter failures overnight as the city remains under a prolonged cold wave advisory.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government's daily cold wave situation report released on January 25, 2026, a total of 37 cases of frozen and burst water meters were reported between 5:00 PM yesterday and 5:00 AM this morning. City authorities confirmed that all damaged units have since been repaired or replaced to ensure a steady water supply for residents.

Current Status of Cold Wave Advisories
While the cold wave advisory for Seoul’s southeastern and southwestern districts was lifted as of 10:00 AM on January 23, the warning remains in effect for 14 major autonomous districts in the northeastern and northwestern regions. These areas include:

Northeastern Zone: Jungnang, Seongdong, Gwangjin, Dobong, Nowon, Gangbuk, Seongbuk, and Dongdaemun.
Northwestern Zone: Eunpyeong, Jongno, Mapo, Seodaemun, Jung-gu, and Yongsan.
Since the initial advisory was issued across the entire city on the evening of January 19, the cumulative number of water meter bursts has reached 463 cases. Fortunately, officials reported that there have been no casualties related to cold-weather illnesses or significant water main freezes during this most recent overnight period.

Outlook and Safety Precautions
Meteorological forecasts indicate that the frigid weather is expected to persist for the remainder of the week. Daily lows in Seoul are projected to hover well below freezing:

Jan 25: -11°C
Jan 26: -9°C
Jan 27: -8°C
Jan 28: -8°C

The Seoul Waterworks Authority continues to advise citizens to take preventative measures, such as insulating meter boxes with old clothes or blankets and leaving faucets dripping slightly during the night to prevent pipes from freezing.

As the "frozen" status of the city continues, the municipal government remains on high alert, maintaining a 24-hour emergency task force to respond to further infrastructure damage and to support vulnerable populations affected by the extreme cold.

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