Quick fixes can cause more harm than good, The Marsaskala Residents Network said Friday in a statement related to the havoc caused in the locality by Storm Harry earlier this week.

The MRN, while expressing its solidarity with all those who were affected by the storm, said social media is full of ideas and suggestions on how such situations can be avoided in the future.

MRN said believes that quick fixes, spread by influencers or individuals who are not experts in the field, can cause more harm than good. Coastal protection is a specialised discipline that should primarily be carried out by coastal engineers, with support from geological and oceanographic sciences and, to a certain extent, also the social sciences.

MRN said it is of the view that, in order to identify sustainable and effective long-term solutions, it is "first necessary to recognise that we are dealing with a natural phenomenon that is expected to increase in both frequency and intensity due to climate change. It is irresponsible to imply that any single measure, taken without serious scientific studies, can solve a problem of this magnitude".

This creates a false sense of security when, in reality, we are facing powerful natural forces. It should be recalled that this cyclone did not have severe impacts in Malta alone, but also caused significant damage in other countries, including Italy, the MRN said.

Nor can the fact be ignored that sea levels are expected to rise in the coming years. Any measures taken must therefore also take this reality into account. MRN insists that interventions along the coast and in the bay should only be carried out within the context of a long-term vision, serious and integrated planning, adequate investment, and full respect for the environment. Furthermore, such decisions should not be influenced by parochial political or personal interests, and the coast and the bay should not be handed over to private interests, as this could hinder essential interventions in the public and environmental interest.

MRN has also long been insisting on the need for transparency regarding the plans of the Marsaskala regeneration project and the manner in which the works are being carried out. As the storm swept away the panels with banners promoting the project along Triq ix-Xatt, it became clear that the promenade parapet wall was not in place. Its absence during the storm may have contributed to the sea continuing to hit the panels with banners directly, resulting in them crashing into the façades of shops. The concrete blocks that were placed on Thursday on the promenade side to make up for the missing parapet wall were a measure taken far too late, the MRN said.

One cannot fail to note the damage that occurred in the Żonqor area. In addition to the force of the sea, considerable damage was caused to the façades of some residences by pieces of metal and stone that were torn from the promenade itself. Before the storm, many had asked why this part of Marsaskala was not included in the promenade regeneration project, despite being in a very poor state.

There is also a need for a serious evaluation of whether it is acceptable for shops to fill pavements with furniture and other objects and leave them there overnight, despite this being contrary to catering establishment standards. These items were carried away and created additional danger during the storm.

What happened on Tuesday should be a clear signal that a serious and comprehensive evaluation is required of what should be prioritised for the benefit of Marsaskala residents. The residents of Marsaskala have the right to a safe promenade along the entire bay. It is also essential that the Magħluq is restored, as if it is properly rehabilitated it can help reduce the effects of storms. Furthermore, we must protect the bay from pollution so that the Posidonia oceanica can regain strength and grow, since it plays an important natural role in reducing the power of waves.

Nature-based solutions, together with scientific and responsible planning, are indispensable if we truly wish to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the Marsaskala community in a sustainable and long-term manner, the MRN said.