Residents of low-lying coastal areas like St Julian’s, Qawra and Marsascala this morning experienced a natural phenomenon that saw seawater rising to higher-than-usual levels.  

St Julian’s resident Frances Grech posted the video above, which shows the tide rising rapidly along the town’s ‘il-Qaliet’ area, dragging street furniture along the promenade. 

The phenomenon is called ‘Seiche waves’ and is caused by a change in atmospheric pressure. It can happen at any time of the year. The phenomenon is fairly common.  

Similar incidents were reported in Birzebbugia, Xemxija and Ghadira.