A widespread power cut has been reported in various parts of Malta on Saturday evening, with Enemalta saying it took place as a result of damage to the interconnector.

Areas hit by the power cut, which occurred just after 7.30pm, included Naxxar, Swieqi. Sliema, Zebbug, Attard, St Julian's, Mosta, Mellieha, Fgura, Zejtun, Mqabba, Qrendi, Hamrun and Gozo.

People trying to get through to the telephone number where power cuts are reported were unable to get through.

Electricity was restored to some of these areas within 30 minutes.

Enemalta said on its Facebook page that the power cut was a result of problems on the energy interconnector with Sicily.

The company said its technicians were working to restore power as quickly as possible.

The power cut ironically occurres just before the government, on its Facebook page, launched an activity called "Storja ta' dawl" - a story of light, as part of Christmas acrivities.

In a statement later, Enemalta said: This evening at 19.38 an interruption in the provision of electricity occurred in the interconnector in the Sicilian section. Though the cause of this interruption still needs to be determined, what is clear is that at the time of this incident, the locality in question was experiencing severe weather conditions.

This led to the interruption of the electricity supply.

The local distribution system allows for an automatic system which closes down the electricity supply (load shedding) to allow for the electrical generating systems in Delimara from being damaged, the company said.

As a result as soon as the electricity supply was interrupted, and ensuring that no damage had been impacted on the electrical systems dependant on gas, Enemalta technicians increased the generation of electricity and within eight minutes electricity was once again on the network. It took a total of 40 minutes for all consumers to experience electricity.

Enemalta apologised for any inconvenience caused but "it has to be stated that the automated systems created to protect were only activated to avoid protracted damage to the electricity supply".