Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that workers who, in his assessment, went beyond what was normally expected of them during Storm Harry will be granted a special recognition allowance as a gesture of appreciation for their service.

Abela made the announcement in Brussels at the conclusion of an emergency European Council meeting, stating that the measure is intended to send a clear message of recognition for the dedication and loyalty shown by these workers in the performance of their duties.

Speaking to TVMnews, the Prime Minister said he was deeply grateful to employees from various entities who worked to prevent danger at the height of the storm. He highlighted in particular members of the law enforcement forces who safeguarded public safety and lives, as well as workers who carried out clean-up operations once the immediate emergency had passed.

Abela also thanked all the entities that continued working throughout the storm, along with the Maltese and Gozitan public for the cooperation shown. He noted that, thanks to this collective effort, Malta did not register a single fatality as a result of what he described as a massive storm, nor were there any serious injuries.

On Thursday morning, Abela said he convened a meeting with several ministers and heads of entities to discuss how the country had acted proactively and anticipated the situation, as well as to assess the performance of each entity during the storm. The discussion also focused on the completion of clean-up and remedial works for the damage caused, including to businesses, and on future planning should similar circumstances arise.