SARAJEVO: Bosnian authorities have declare state of emergency in the capital Sarajevo after it was paralyzed by snow, while hundreds of people remain trapped in their homes and vehicles throughout the country.

More than a meter (three feet) of snow is lying in the city Saturday, as residents are try to clear routes to the hospital or simply connect buildings. One by one, neighborhoods are reporting water shortages and people are emptying shops in fear it could last for days. Several people said they witnessed fistfights in shops over loave of bread.

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

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