No fatalities have been reported after Malta was hit by a storm with winds reaching force 9 over between Monday and Tuesday, Home Affairs, Security and Employment Minister Byron Camilleri told Parliament.
Addressing Parliament, Camilleri said that despite numerous dangerous incidents being reported, precautionary measures and public cooperation helped ensure the safety of the community. He said warnings issued in coordination with the Civil Protection Department led to a press conference appealing to the public to take appropriate precautions.
The minister praised the efforts of the disciplined forces, healthcare workers, and public service employees, thanking those who worked day and night to assist in challenging conditions. He said the storm once again highlighted the importance of essential workers who are always present during emergencies.
Camilleri said that as of 2pm, 197 incidents were handled by the Civil Protection Department, involving fallen or unstable trees, billboards, vehicle fires, and other hazards. A further 54 cases, handled by the Police, involved people trapped in vehicles, electrical cables, or cars caught in floodwater. The Armed Forces of Malta assisted in 2 incidents on land, while 44 incidents on roads were dealt with by the Local Enforcement and Safety Agency (LESA). He added that the response was supported by the coordinated work of several different entities.
The minister reminded the public that the emergency number 112 remains operational and should be used in case of emergency. He said the storm warning would remain in force until 6pm, adding that while conditions overnight were expected to be less severe than the previous night, response efforts would continue beyond that point.
He explained that decisions taken by the Civil Protection Department were aimed at avoiding unnecessary danger. While fallen trees and damage must be addressed, he stressed that non-urgent situations should not be dealt with during severe weather. He noted that residents were advised not to take out waste and to avoid coastal areas, although some individuals were still seen near the sea. Despite this, Camilleri said he was satisfied with the overall level of discipline shown by the public.
On education, Camilleri said children were excused from attending school if conditions were deemed unsafe. Out of a total of 26,908 students enrolled in government schools, 3,137 attended classes.
He also provided figures for childcare attendance, saying that of 6,276 children registered with Jobsplus childcare centres, 1,738 attended.
Camilleri concluded by urging continued caution, warning that hazards remain on the roads and advising the public to avoid potentially dangerous activity until weather conditions fully improve.
PN thanks those who provided service despite severe weather
The Leader of the PN Alex Borg expressed his gratitude to members of the disciplined forces, the Civil Protection, the Armed Forces, the Police, officials from Transport Malta and LESA, as well as healthcare workers, who, despite the severe weather conditions that affected the country, went out to carry out their duties in order to safeguard the health and safety of the entire population.
During a Ministerial Statement in Parliament, Alex Borg also thanked all the volunteers who assisted Civil Protection in their work over the past hours, as well as the workers who now have the task of cleaning up in the aftermath of the cyclone that passed over our country.
Alex Borg expressed his solidarity with farmers, fishermen, and business owners, particularly those in the south of Malta, who suffered damage as a result of the storms.
The Leader of the PN also thanked all teachers and educators who opened their schools on Tuesday morning, and all those who provided essential services under difficult conditions.
He also expressed his gratitude to Gozo Channel employees who continued to operate the service for as long as possible under very challenging conditions.
Alex Borg thanked the public for adhering to the directives that were issued and expressed solidarity with all those who suffered damage due to the adverse weather. He appealed to the Government to provide support to those who woke up this morning facing damage and additional expenses.