The alerts in Miskolc, Nyíregyháza and Sajószentpéter were issued at the same level and for the same reason.

The mayors of the affected cities have asked residents not to use their cars, particularly if they are diesel powered, and to use public transport instead.

Residents have also been advised not to burn waste and to cut back their use of coal, wood or oil-fired heating appliances.

The warning level is triggered when the short-term effects of the air pollution level can be dangerous for vulnerable groups such as children, people suffering from a chronic illness and the elderly.

The National Centre for Public Health (OKK) has declared a red alert for Budapest, Százhalombatta, Tököl, Szeged, Miskolc and Sajószentpéter after concentrations of particulate matter (PM10) in the air exceeded what is considered to be a safe level in those cities.

Another twelve municipalities have been flagged orange for poor air quality.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Mohai Balázs