SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina — On Thursday, a thick layer of smog blanketed Sarajevo, leading to the grounding of flights and advisories for residents to remain indoors in an effort to cope with the dangerous air conditions.

The Swiss air quality technology firm IQAir reported that Sarajevo’s air quality index (AQI) reached a “very unhealthy” score of 225, ranking the city among the top three most polluted places in the world.

“This is horrendous; we can barely breathe, especially individuals with heart issues,” expressed pensioner Hajra Subasic. “It’s a struggle for me to talk.”

Typically, during the winter months, Sarajevo and other major Balkan cities face heightened pollution levels as residents often rely on coal and wood for heat. Experts have sounded the alarm regarding the adverse health impacts associated with poor air quality, which is linked to numerous diseases and an increase in early mortality rates.

Sarajevo, resting in a valley encircled by mountains, is particularly susceptible to air pollution. Poor urban planning and a surge in high-rise buildings have exacerbated the situation in recent years.

“Nobody is taking action,” Subasic lamented. “It’s astonishing that such a problem exists in the capital of Bosnia, and that officials are unable to resolve it.”

Generally, Balkan nations have a weak track record in environmental protection, despite pledges to enhance conditions as they aspire to join the European Union. Rivers in the Balkans often suffer from pollution, and recycling efforts are nearly negligible.

The air quality in Belgrade, the capital of neighboring Serbia, was also reported as “unhealthy,” with its AQI clocking in at 170 on the same day.

In Sarajevo, flight operations were stalled in the morning due to fog, and drivers were advised to exercise caution because of the poor visibility. Many locals were seen donning face masks for at least minimal protection against the harmful air.

A resident named Nada shared her experience, explaining that she frequently seeks refuge from the pollution in the surrounding mountains where the air is cleaner, allowing her a view of Sarajevo shrouded in fog below.

“I regain some energy there, but I can’t tell how long that will be effective,” she stated. “It’s even worse inside our homes due to the heating and dry air, coupled with the fact that we can’t open our windows.”