A relentless snowstorm has brought Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula to a near halt, burying towns under record snowfall and forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency in several areas.
Over the past few days, the region has been lashed by continuous heavy snow and strong winds, leaving streets unrecognisable and entire neighbourhoods trapped under massive drifts. In some parts of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, snow levels have reportedly crossed two metres, overwhelming homes, vehicles and public infrastructure.
Daily life has been severely disrupted. Public transport services were suspended as roads became impassable, while schools, offices and government institutions remained shut. Airports faced delays and cancellations as crews struggled to clear runways amid ongoing snowfall.
Residents have been seen digging tunnels from their front doors and climbing over snowbanks taller than parked cars. Videos shared locally show apartment buildings nearly swallowed by snow, with only upper floors clearly visible. Municipal services, despite round-the-clock efforts, have struggled to keep pace with the accumulation.
Authorities said emergency teams have been deployed to clear rooftops, following reports of roof collapses and at least two deaths linked to falling snow and ice. Residents have been urged to stay indoors unless necessary and to avoid areas where snow buildup poses a risk.
Meteorologists described the storm as one of the most intense the region has seen in decades. The severe weather has also affected neighbouring parts of East Asia, disrupting transport and shipping routes across the broader region.
While conditions are expected to ease gradually, officials warn that cleanup efforts could take weeks. For now, Kamchatka remains gripped by a winter many locals are calling unprecedented — a stark reminder of the power of nature in one of the world’s most remote regions.
