In January 2026, a powerful winter storm brought extreme snowfall to eastern parts of Russia, especially the Kamchatka Peninsula. The snowfall was so heavy that many residents said they had never seen anything like it in their lifetime.
Thick layers of snow covered houses, shops, and roads within hours. Cars disappeared under huge piles of snow, and building doors were blocked by tall drifts. People struggled to move outside, and daily life came to a stop in many areas. Some families had to dig through snow just to step outside their homes.
Streets that were once busy became silent and empty. Schools, offices, and local businesses were forced to close. Transport services were badly affected, and many vehicles were stuck for days. Emergency teams worked nonstop to clear roads and help people who were trapped.
As videos of the storm appeared online, the world watched in shock. Real clips showed cities buried in snow and streets turned into white fields. At the same time, some fake videos also appeared on social media. These were made using artificial intelligence and showed unreal scenes with extremely large snow mountains that did not match reality.
Officials later warned people to trust only verified sources and real footage. They said false videos can create panic and confusion during emergencies.
Local authorities started large clean-up operations using heavy machines to remove snow. Rescue teams focused on reopening roads and restoring basic services.
For many residents, this storm will be remembered for years. The extreme snowfall showed how powerful nature can be and how quickly life can change in cold regions like Kamchatka.