MINGORA, March 3: A new second spell of rain on Thursday aggravated the situation in the Swat valley where the authorities are already facing problems in reaching the rain-hit people because of damage caused to roads.

Despite hectic efforts by the area administration, snow could not be cleared from the Kalam Road and relief goods were being sent by helicopters which could fly only if the weather is clear.

According to reports, people living in the narrow valleys of upper Swat were yet to receive relief goods because of damage caused to the communication network.

At present, relief goods could only be taken to Kalam where the situation was comparatively better. Local people have expressed dissatisfaction over the slow clearance of snow from roads and proposed that the number of bulldozers should be increased.

They also said that there was no check on bulldozers drivers to complete their duty hours, which was also a cause of delay. Rain in the urban areas and snowfall on the hills began late on Wednesday and was continuing till the filing of this report.