Record Snowfall Buries Buildings and Disrupts Life in Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula

In January 2026, Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula experienced record-breaking snowfall, burying buildings up to the fourth floor and disrupting daily life. The heavy snow led to at least two deaths caused by snow falling from rooftops. Authorities declared a state of emergency in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, mobilizing resources for snow removal and suspending schools and public transport. Videos showed residents digging tunnels and children playing on massive snowdrifts. Officials warned of risks from accumulating rooftop snow amid changing weather patterns linked to climate change.