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Record-breaking snowfall in Moscow shatters over 200-year history

Record-breaking snowfall

Moscow: An extraordinary spell of snowfall in Russia’s capital, Moscow, has broken a record that stood for more than 200 years, according to international media reports.

The heavy snowfall severely affected the city of nearly 13 million residents, with massive snow piles accumulating on major roads in central districts, causing widespread disruption and hardship for daily commuters.

Passenger trains operating in and around Moscow were delayed, while vehicles remained stuck in prolonged traffic jams due to slippery and snow-covered roads.

According to Moscow State University, January proved to be an unusually cold month with exceptionally heavy snowfall across the capital.

The university further reported that by January 29, approximately 92 millimeters of combined rainfall and snowfall had been recorded at its meteorological observatory — the highest level in the past 203 years.

Earlier this month, authorities had also declared a state of emergency in Russia’s eastern region of Kamchatka following a severe snowstorm.

Images circulating widely on social media showed snowdrifts reaching the second floors of buildings, while cars parked along streets were completely buried under thick layers of snow, highlighting the intensity of the extreme weather.

Deadly rains and heavy snowfall wreak havoc in Afghanistan, 61 killed

Deadly rains

Severe rain and heavy snowfall have caused widespread devastation across Afghanistan, leaving at least 61 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to international news agencies.

Reports said that snowfall and rainfall have continued since Wednesday in several provinces, including Parwan, Wardak, southern Kandahar, northern Jowzjan, Faryab, and central Bamyan, along with other regions.

Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that the recent spell of extreme weather has resulted in 61 fatalities and 110 injuries nationwide.

Officials stated that at least 458 houses have been completely or partially damaged, while major highways and inter-provincial roads have been closed due to heavy snowfall and the risk of avalanches. Significant losses to livestock have also been reported.

The Meteorological Department has warned that more snowfall is expected in parts of the country later this week, raising fears of further casualties and damage.

The natural disaster has struck at a time when Afghanistan is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people relying on aid due to economic hardship, food shortages, and limited access to basic services.