Extreme cold has caused rivers to freeze over and hurt the nation's primary power source, hydroelectric power, a U.N. press release said. Radio Free Europe reported Tuesday temperatures have plummeted to 20 below zero and the energy shortage has had a ripple effect on heating and food supplies.

The United Nations asked international donors to come up with $25 million to feed 260,000 people. Michele Montas, a U.N. spokeswoman, said UNICEF is sending emergency generators to hospitals as cold-related illnesses killed 232 newborns in January alone.

Political analysts told RFE the situation is having an impact on the government, as many high-ranking officials were forced out of office for failing to deal with the situation.

One analyst said the political reaction is too late. Shokirjon Hakimov, a Tajik politician, said there have been few protests so far, but some Tajiks are starting to voice their anger with the situation.