17.01.2026 16:01
Severe winter conditions in Russia's Kamchatka region have almost brought life to a standstill. Due to a snowstorm that has lasted for days, the snow depth has exceeded 3 meters. In some areas, it has been observed that the snow level has reached the fourth floor of buildings. Teams have had to dig tunnels in the snow to reach elderly people trapped in their homes, while falling chunks of ice from roofs have claimed 2 lives.
This year's harsh winter conditions in Russia's Kamchatka region have halted daily life in residential areas.
SNOW DEPTH EXCEEDED 3 METERS
Due to the heavy snowfall and strong winds that have persisted for days, snow depth has exceeded 3 meters in many areas. In some regions, it has been reported that the snow level has reached the fourth floor of buildings.
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED
A state of emergency has been declared across the region due to the snowfall. Roads have been closed, transportation has been disrupted, and many residential areas have been cut off. Authorities have mobilized emergency response teams in the area.
SNOW MASSES FALLING FROM ROOFS CLAIMED 2 LIVES
In the disaster in Kamchatka, two people lost their lives. A snow mass falling from the roof of a two-story apartment building led to the death of a 60-year-old man. A 63-year-old man also died after being trapped under a snow mass that fell from another building's roof.
"BE CAREFUL OF SNOW PILES ON ROOFS"
Sergei Lebedev, the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kamchatka Region, warned citizens in a statement. Lebedev said, "I once again ask you to be careful of the massive snow piles that have formed on roofs during the storm. Temperatures have risen, and as a result, snow has started to fall from the roofs," he stated.
RESCUE TEAMS DUG TUNNELS
In footage shared by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, rescue teams were seen digging tunnels through snow piles several meters high to reach elderly people trapped in their homes.
SCHOOLS CLOSED, TRANSPORTATION STOPPED
In the capital of Kamchatka, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, schools were closed due to adverse weather conditions, and public transport services were suspended. Authorities urged citizens not to go outside unless absolutely necessary until the weather conditions return to normal.