Residents of southern Chile's mountainous Auracania region are digging out after a massive snowstorm dumped about 2 meters of snow in the area, leaving many communities isolated from the rest of the country and without power.

Emergency crews have been working to clear roadways of snow to allow for transportation in and out of the secluded area. Some residents also say the situation has left them without cellphone service or radio communication.

Local media reported that the Pino Hachado International pass connecting Araucania to Argentina in the east reopened Tuesday and was the only open connection to that country. More snow is forecast for the region.