A severe winter storm has led to a state of emergency in Sakhalin, Russia, disrupting transportation and daily life. The storm paralyzed the public transportation system in the regional capital of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and major roadways were made inaccessible.

The endangered mammal got tied up to the Nevelsk breakwater from debris and rope that it got caught in.

Major rescue operation on the island of Sakhalin went on for two days. Some of the fishermen made their way back to safety on ice floes, using ice diggers as oars.

Winds in Norilsk are gusting at up to 20 metres per second, with temperatures at around -23C. Some plants in the city have given their staff days off.