A thick layer of snow, as tall as a building, covers Kamchatka, Russia's Far East. Video: X/Russian Market

A severe winter storm struck Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on 12/2, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds that nearly paralyzed daily life for residents.

In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the largest city on the peninsula, snow enveloped the lower floors of an apartment building on 15/1, as shown in the accompanying image.

Snow covers cars and streets in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Snow depth in the city reached 17 meters, with some areas seeing up to 25 meters.

The excessive snowfall forced residents in many districts of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to shovel snow to create exits from their main doors or climb out of windows on lower floors.

Following the intense blizzard, Mayor Yevgeny Belyayev declared a state of emergency across Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on 17/1. The declaration came after two people died from snow falling off rooftops. Schools were closed, public transportation ceased operations, and the Russian National Guard was deployed to evacuate residents. The image above shows a man navigating a path dug through the snow outside an apartment building.

Snow completely blocked the entrances and windows of a shop in Kamchatka. Local authorities activated avalanche and landslide warning systems, stating that hazardous conditions could persist until the end of the week. They urged tourists and athletes to avoid mountain climbing and reminded parents to keep children away from avalanche-prone areas.

The blizzard caused significant traffic disruptions. Vera Polyakova, head of the Kamchatka Hydrometeorological Center, noted the rarity of the event: "The last time we witnessed a similar phenomenon was over 50 years ago, in the early 1970s. These weather conditions are exceptionally rare."

A building stands covered in snow in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The snowstorm has severely disrupted daily life across the region. Many roads remain blocked, hindering access to shops and essential supplies. Local media reported shortages of essential goods such as bread, milk, and eggs, as delivery vehicles struggled to reach affected areas.

Snow blankets trees and landscapes, creating a rare sight. Experts attribute the storm to powerful winter climate systems forming over the North Pacific, which brought heavy snowfall and strong winds. While Kamchatka, with its subarctic climate, typically experiences heavy snow, the intensity and prolonged duration of this storm are unusual, surprising even long-time residents.

Images: AFP, Reuters