Chilean capital struggles with severe air pollution

STORY: "Sadly, in terms of particulate matter, Santiago is the American continent’s most polluted capital. It surpasses cities such as Bogota, Quito, Mexico City, etcetera," said Raul Cordero, a climatologist at Universidad de Santiago.

To avoid the spread of seasonal disease, authorities have asked people to adopt measures such as constant handwashing and the use of facemasks.

77-year-old Luisa Machuca told Reuters that she felt like she was "choking" when she took the face mask off.

"Something bad is in the air, you cannot walk peacefully," she added.