A powerful snowstorm battered Russia’s Far East Kamchatka Peninsula, bringing travel to a halt and triggering avalanche warnings in the mountainous region.
Between Sunday afternoon and Monday night, meteorologists reported that 60% of the region’s average monthly snowfall blanketed the capital, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, with winds reaching speeds of 23 meters per second (51.4 miles per hour).
The storm grounded domestic flights until at least Tuesday and paralyzed municipal transportation. Emergency Situations Ministry vehicles replaced some of the city’s buses as authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and advised employers to allow remote work.
Some locals, however, refused to let the extreme weather dictate their plans. Residents were spotted navigating the snow-covered streets on snowmobiles and snowboards — while at least one defiant cyclist braved the storm in a t-shirt and shorts.
Universities and kindergartens suspended classes, though schools were already on break.
The Emergency Situations Ministry said its snow removal vehicles were blocked by abandoned cars, complicating cleanup efforts. In one case, rescue crews saved four men who nearly froze overnight while attempting to dig their vehicles out of the snow.
Meteorologists warned that the blizzards would continue moving north across the Kamchatka Peninsula on Monday.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
