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.
A powerful winter storm struck the Kamchatka Peninsula overnight on January 13, 2026, dropping 30% of the region’s monthly precipitation in 24 hours. Small avalanches were reported in snow-covered neighborhoods across the region. The storm added to existing accumulations from previous winter storms, one of which brought the heaviest snowfall on record to Moscow between January 8 and 9.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 struck the Kuril Islands region, Russia, at 07:34 UTC on January 13, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 35.8 km (22.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles).
A powerful explosive eruption took place at Bezymianny volcano in Kamchatka, Russia, on November 26, 2025, with ash reaching 11.4 km (37 400 feet) a.s.l., as of 04:00 UTC. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Red due to ongoing explosions that could affect regional and international flights.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 struck off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia, at 03:45 UTC on November 4, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 35 km (21.7 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit near the coast of Kamchatka, Russia at 08:44 UTC on November 3, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
A bright green bolide, a natural meteoroid entering Earth’s atmosphere, illuminated the skies over Moscow, Russia, at around 00:30 UTC on October 27, 2025. The object produced several bright flashes and visible fragmentation as it moved across the sky, leaving a persistent trail. Analysis of multiple videos confirms its natural origin, distinguishing it from any satellite or rocket re-entry.
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia at 13:28 UTC on October 9, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 57 km (35 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. There is no tsunami threat from this event.
Kronotsky volcano in Kamchatka, Russia, erupted at 03:50 UTC (15:50 LT) on October 4, 2025, ending a century of dormancy. The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported an explosive eruption with an ash column reaching 9.2 km (30 180 feet) above sea level. Aviation Color Code was raised to Red. KVERT warns that additional ash emissions rising up to 15 km (49 200 feet) remain possible.
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia at 16:07 UTC on October 3, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 17.4 km (10.8 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
