Muscovites struggle to breathe as acrid smoke grips city
- NEW: Russian president visits ambulance station
- Carbon monoxide levels are dangerously high in Moscow
- People are encouraged to stay indoors and wear masks
- There are no signs of the heat wave abating, and wildfires are still raging in the countryside
Moscow, Russia (CNN) -- The Moscow skyline of the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral vanished Friday as a blanket of thick, noxious smoke shrouded the metropolis, leaving many of the city's 10 million residents with sore throats and burning eyes.
On Friday, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited a Moscow ambulance station, accompanied by top health officials. He was told that the number of emergency calls has increased by about 10 percent lately, related to the heat and smog.
The acrid smoke, from thousands of square miles of wildfires, drove carbon monoxide levels in Moscow five times higher than what is considered safe, the Russian Health Ministry said.
Residents were encouraged to stay indoors. Many who did not could be seen wearing masks as they walked outdoors.
In interviews with the state-run RIA Novosti news agency, health officials likened the pollution levels to smoking several packs of cigarettes a day.
Gallery: Moscow blanketed by smog Some flights to Moscow were diverted Friday because or poor visibility.
The Russian Ministry for Health and Social Development reported Friday that 52 people have died as a result of the extensive fires in central Russia. Another 72 people needed treatment, 43 of whom remain hospitalized, it said.
Muscovites struggle to breathe as acrid smoke grips city - CNN.com
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