QUETTA, Feb 15: Around 3,000 people have been trapped after heavy snowfall in Tuba Kakari and adjoining areas in Pishin district. The area is cut off from the rest of the province as roads linking Tuba Kakari and Barshoor with Pishin and other areas have been blocked by snow.

"Army troops have been moved to the area with helicopters and other equipment for rescue work," officials told Dawn. Tuba Kakari, Barshoor, Karezat, Tuba Achakzai, Rod Mullazai, Khanozai and adjoining areas received more than six feet of snow over the past week.

At least 20 people have been killed and many mud-houses collapsed. In Makran, most of the areas remain under water. There was no rain on Tuesday but the weather remained inclement, forcing the authorities to use the sea for relief supplies.