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≡ Nation Battles High Levels Of Fine Dust This Weekend
[Anchor]
The nation battled yet another day of thick fine dust today, with the density of fine dust reaching 103 micrograms per cubic meter in Seoul and 110 micrograms in Gyeonggi, as of 3 p.m.
As alarming levels of air pollution spurred related authorities to combat fine dust, the environment ministry announced emergency measures in coordination with local governments.
Minyoung Lee has more.
[Reporter]
The environment ministry said it will set up an emergency situation room this weekend, and has asked local governments to take action against high concentration of fine dust in the country and tighten control standards.
This is the first time for the government to urge local governments to combat high concentration of fine dust since 2015 when it started to measure its levels.
Municipal governments will operate road sweeper trucks during the day and notify citizens of fine dust related information and safety precautions.
Measures also include reducing operation hours of public facilities, such as garbage incineration plants.
Emergency measures will be extended by a day if high levels of fine dust continue through tomorrow.
Authorities advise citizens to wear protective masks when outdoors and those with heart and respiratory problems as well as children and the elderly to stay indoors.
Minyoung Lee, eFM News.■[2018.03.25]
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≡ Parties To Enter Discussion On Constitution Amendment After Moon Submits Bill On Monday
The ruling and opposition parties are expected to clash head-on this week over the ongoing discussion on constitutional revisions, after President Moon Jae-in submits the government's own revision bill to the National Assembly tomorrow as scheduled.
Both rival parties are on the same page in that it should be parliament that leads the amendment plan, but they differ on the timeline for the submission of the revision bill.
The Democratic Party insists that their own proposal should be finalized by May 4th to meet the legal time frame in order to hold a referendum alongside the June local elections.
However, the Liberty Korea Party is strongly opposed to the move, saying it will politicize the issue.
The minor opposition Bareunmirae Party, meanwhile, is also against the government's proposed extension of the presidential term.■[2018.03.25]
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≡ Arrest Warrant Hearing For Ex-Governor Ahn Hee-Jung Set For Monday Afternoon
A hearing to determine the legality of an arrest warrant request for former South Chungcheong Governor Ahn Hee-jung will be held tomorrow afternoon.
The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. at the Seoul Western District Court.
Ahn is accused of sexually assaulting his former secretary and another female researcher on multiple occasions over the past year.
The Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office requested the warrant Friday on charges of sexual harassment by abuse of occupational authority, citing the risk of him destroying evidence.
A decision could be made late tomorrow at the earliest.■[2018.03.25]
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≡ Ferry Carrying 192 People Runs Aground Off Heuksan Island
A ferry carrying 187 passengers and five crew members ran aground near Heuksan Island, South Jeolla Province at around 3:45 p.m.
Maritime police say six passengers with light injuries were transferred to hospital.
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the accident.■
[2018.03.25]
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≡ Fire Breaks Out At Construction Site Near Incheon Airport
Fire authorities have put out a fire that broke out at an in-flight meal manufacturing facility construction site near Incheon Airport.
According to Incheon fire authorities, the blaze started at around 10:30 a.m. on the third floor of the facility that was undergoing construction.
The accident has left at least two people injured.
Officials are looking into the exact cause of the fire.■
[2018.03.25]
