Snow hits Sarajevo

Saturday, February 04, 2012 - 05:36 PM

Bosnian authorities declared a state of emergency in the capital Sarajevo today after it was paralysed by snow, while hundreds of people remain trapped in their homes and vehicles throughout the country.

More than three feet of snow was lying in the city as residents attempted to clear routes to the hospital or simply connect buildings.

One by one, neighbourhoods were reporting water shortages and people were emptying shops in fear the extreme weather could last for days.

Several people said they witnessed fights in shops over loaves of bread.

Schools have been closed for a week, and throughout the country travellers have been trapped on roads since Friday evening.

Authorities are urging people not to go out of their homes.