Storm Harry battered the Maltese islands on Monday and Tuesday. With winds reaching Force 9, many rightfully remained indoors unless they absolutely had to be outside, and many, including government workers, worked from home.

The weather conditions couldn't be described as anything less than dangerous. Coastal areas, particularly in the south of Malta, saw flooding. Waves crashed into Malta's coastline, causing damage to shops and restaurants, as well as promenades.

In other parts of Malta, some trees were uprooted and billboards fell, field walls were damaged with the force of the wind. Some flights had to be diverted to other airports and for a time the Gozo ferry stopped operating due to the treacherous conditions.

The strong winds were also accompanied by rainfall, and on Tuesday evening, a thunderstorm also hit.

In all of this, Malta's frontliners were out on the streets, responding to calls and doing their best to keep Malta safe.

From 19 January until midday yesterday, members of the Disciplined Forces assisted in just under 700 incidents, the government said yesterday. "The Civil Protection Department responded to 502 cases, ranging from fallen trees, hazards caused by billboards, electrical dangers, car and waste fires, fuel spills, and other incidents. The Police Force assisted in 86 incidents, including cases involving people trapped in vehicles, cars swept away by floodwaters, and hazards caused by objects, furniture, electrical cables, and other items left hanging or obstructing roads. There were also incidents involving trees falling onto vehicles, construction material, balconies and broken glass. The Armed Forces of Malta, while assisting the Civil Protection Department in several cases, also carried out maritime operations primarily related to incidents at sea and assisted in a further four cases. LESA responded to 74 collision incidents."

One must also mention the work done by medical personnel, public service personnel, journalists and others who all played a part in helping people during the storm or keeping the public informed.

The Home Affairs minister announced in Parliament on Tuesday that there were no fatalities, and his colleague, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, also announced in Parliament that there were no reports of serious injuries.

For the most part, people kept out of harms way, although there were a few who took risks. As an example, the Sliema Mayor saw people standing at the base of the Chalet in Sliema, an extremely dangerous scenario given the crashing waves.

When such storms batter the Maltese Islands, priority must be given to staying safe.

The work done by all those on the front line and on the ground helped save lives. They put their own safety on the line to help others and ensure the country's safety, and they do so without questioning it. Their courage and dedication ensures that the rest of us can have our minds at ease that if something happens, they will be there to help.

They all deserve a big thank you.