State of Emergency declared for Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky after extreme snow kills 2, Russia

A powerful, prolonged snowstorm that began on January 12, 2026, has paralyzed the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, with snow depths reportedly reaching up to 500 cm (16 feet) in some areas. A municipal-level State of Emergency was declared for Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky after two people were killed by snow sliding off rooftops on January 15.

Over three months’ worth of snowfall has accumulated across parts of Kamchatka, matching levels last observed during the winter of 1997.

Kamchatka is experiencing one of its most intense snowstorms in recent decades, with nearly continuous snowfall since January 12.

Within the first 48 hours a storm brought around 52% of its monthly precipitation average. A second storm struck the peninsula on January 14, bringing additional snow and storm-force winds with gusts reaching up to 38 m/s (85 mph).

In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, snow depths ranged between 51 and 133 cm (1.7–4.4 feet), while the nearby village of Sosnovka reported 163 cm (5.3 feet). Accumulated snow depths of up to 500 cm (16 feet) have also been reported in some areas.

Snow accumulations reached the height of the second floors of homes, burying building entrances and trapping vehicles. Residents have been forced to exit their homes through first-floor windows or dig tunnels through snowbanks.

At least two people have been killed due to the heavy snow, with Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Mayor Yevgeny Belyayev declaring a citywide state of emergency shortly after the first death was reported on January 15.

A 60-year-old man was found buried under snow on Sovetskaya Street. Meanwhile, another man died after getting injured by snow slipping down the roof of a single-story building despite rapid rescue attempts by emergency crews.

Public transport in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky has been largely suspended, with people being transported by shift buses and vehicles provided by the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya). Roads across the region remain partially blocked, with property management services removing snow and putting barriers in danger zones to prevent further roof slides.

Cleanup operations continue across the city, with rescue teams from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM), student brigades, and volunteers clearing snow from schools and public institutions, including the “Evrika” Education Center and Secondary School No. 1. Military personnel, including submarine crews, have joined the operations.

According to the Kamchatka Hydrometeorological Center, the storm is now retreating. Light snow may persist in southern areas, followed by cold, variable cloud cover and falling temperatures.

Avalanche warnings remain in place until at least January 18, with residents and tourists urged to avoid slopes and refrain from clearing roofs independently due to the ongoing risk of snow slides.

Over three months’ worth of snowfall has accumulated across parts of Kamchatka, matching levels last observed during the winter of 1997. The full restoration of transportation and public services is expected to take several days, depending on weather conditions.

References:

¹ Kamchatka was covered with snow: snowdrifts up to the second floors, there are victims, an emergency mode has been introduced – ESP – January 18, 2026

² Пять метров снега и парализованный город: что происходит на Камчатке – Kam 24 – January 17, 2026

Featured image credit: Ministry of Emrgency Situation for Kamchatka territory, Russia

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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