Local councils urged to flag Storm Harry damage that poses risk to residents

The government is urging local councils to report any damage caused by Storm Harry that needs to be seen to immediately, as it poses a risk to residents.

The storm, which peaked between Monday and Tuesday, stopped crossings between Malta, Gozo and Sicily, caused flight diversions or cancellations, tore down hundreds of trees, significantly damaged Malta's wastewater infrastructure and wrecked seafront shop fronts.

In Marsascala alone, 25 truckloads of waste and debris were collected by the cleaning and maintenance division.

Gusts exceeding 100 kilometres per hour destroyed farms, beached fishing boats, and ravaged the popular Għar Lapsi bay.

A pathway down to the sea at Għar Lapsi destroyed by Storm Harry. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

On Wednesday and Thursday, local authorities, business owners and residents were still assessing the damage, clearing debris and trying to secure areas battered by the winds or waves. 

On Thursday morning, the Infrastructure Ministry said Storm Harry had a devastating impact on infrastructure across the island, and the department of public works, together with Infrastructure Malta, will carry out all necessary works. 

It therefore called on local councils to alert the department of any damage - especially damage that could pose a danger to residents or impact commuters' accessibility.

Infrastructure minister Chris Bonett said this would help facilitate infrastructural works that need to be done immediately. Junior minister Omar Farrugia, meanwhile, thanked councils and workers who are ensuring works are carried out as soon as possible and in a safe manner. 

Volunteers cleaning up Marsascala, which was hit heavily by Storm Harry. Photo: Jonathan Borg

The authorities have already kicked off emergency works in coastal localities such as Mellieħa, Marsascala, Xgħajra, Kalkara and Għar Lapsi.

People are still being urged to keep away from coastal sites that have been cordoned off for safety reasons.

Councils can get more information by calling on 2292 2222.

'Gozo needs an airlink as soon as possible'

The Gozo Tourism Association has meanwhile reiterated its call for an inter-island connectivity that would provide an alternative to the ferry service.

The association believes that an airlink would have prevented the loss of bednights from foreign visitors and travel disruptions to local travellers.

Gozo Channel ferry services were called off due to the storm. Photo: Gozo Channel

A fixed-wing operation connecting Gozo with Malta International Airport would serve as a vital infrastructural safeguard against adverse sea conditions, the association said, calling for works on the rural airfield at Ta’ Lambert to kick off as soon as possible.

"Due to climate change, similar extreme conditions may become more frequent in the future. These will not only affect inter-island connectivity, but also cause flooding in low-lying seaside localities, as witnessed in Marsalforn and Xlendi, during the recent storm.

"Both resorts already have master plans in place, and the Marsalforn plan includes the construction of a breakwater. The GTA calls on the relevant authorities to initiate preparations for this crucial project, which would provide shelter for the bay, protect catering establishments and residences along the seafront, and serve as an alternative port to Mġarr Harbour."

The association thanked Gozo Channel employees, the Gozo Ministry, the police and members of the Civil Protection Department for their efforts in clearing debris and restoring order in the aftermath of the storm.