Tragic Snowfall Fatalities Prompt Emergency Measures in Kamchatka Amidst Winter Storms

At least two individuals have lost their lives in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city located in Russia’s Far East, after being buried under snow that fell from rooftops, local authorities reported on Thursday. This tragedy occurred as the Kamchatka Peninsula continues to be significantly affected by a succession of intense winter storms.

Since Monday, multiple low-pressure systems emerging from the Sea of Okhotsk have traversed Kamchatka and other areas in Far East Russia, unleashing strong winds and unprecedented snowfall.

Following the initial report of a fatality on Thursday, Mayor Yevgeny Belyayev of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky declared a citywide state of emergency to facilitate the allocation of extra resources for urgent snow removal efforts.

Belyayev criticized property management companies, alleging they neglected to clear roofs in a timely manner and waited for the storm to subside before taking action.

In response, the regional division of Russia’s Investigative Committee announced the initiation of a criminal probe into safety breaches that led to fatalities, notably after a 60-year-old man died when snow fell from the roof of a two-story apartment building.

Later that day, Sergei Lebedev, the region’s Emergency Situations Minister, reported that a 63-year-old man was also buried in snow from the roof of a single-story house. Despite paramedics’ attempts to revive him, their efforts were unsuccessful, as Lebedev mentioned.

“I once again urge everyone to be cautious of the massive snow drifts accumulating on rooftops due to the cyclone,” the minister stated. “With rising temperatures, the snow has begun to collapse from rooftops.”

Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry posted on social media a video of rescue teams digging through substantial snow piles to assist elderly residents trapped in their homes.

The ongoing heavy snowfall and strong winds have effectively paralyzed life in Kamchatka. Schools have closed, and public transportation has been halted in the regional capital of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, where entire neighborhoods are covered in snow.

Videos provided to The Moscow Times by a local resident depicted snowdrifts reaching the second floors of buildings, with community members collaborating to clear snow blocking building entrances.

Meteorologists have issued warnings concerning harsh winter weather in Kamchatka, with predictions of heavy, wet snow, blizzard conditions, and high winds expected from Wednesday night through Thursday.

In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and certain areas of the Yelizovsky district, forecasters cautioned about significant snowfall, poor visibility, and dangerous ice accumulation from the wet snow, with easterly winds reaching speeds of 25-30 meters per second (56-67 miles per hour).

Temperatures are anticipated to remain close to freezing, fluctuating between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius (32-36 degrees Fahrenheit), leading to icy roads, blowing snow, and treacherous travel conditions throughout the region.