Storm Harry damage estimated at €128m as Malta applies for EU funds

Malta has submitted an application for assistance from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) after calculating damage caused by Storm Harry as amounting to €128 million.

The storm battered Malta for 24 hours in mid-January, devastating Għar Lapsi and coastal businesses in Marsascala and other areas. It caused widespread damage to fields, private properties and sections of infrastructure. 

The application submitted by the government includes a comprehensive and verified report of the damage caused across various sectors, the Ministry for EU funds said.

Under the rules of the European Union Solidarity Fund, the damage must not be less than €121 million for a country to qualify for assistance. 

A yacht damaged by Storm Harry. File photo: Times of Malta

Malta's application will now be evaluated by the European Commission, which will assess its compliance with the Fund's rules and determine the level of financial assistance that may be granted.

"The documentation compiled for the application is a clear example of how a collective effort between the government and stakeholders can achieve a common national objective," the ministry said. "In this case, Malta is presenting a detailed case in line with the criteria and limitations established by EUSF regulations. Through evidence and sectoral analysis, the report confirms the severity and impact of the storm on the country."

Insurance Association president Catherine Calleja previously told Times of Malta Storm Harry had caused over €12 million in insured damage, with total losses likely even higher due to claims filed with overseas insurers. She said local insurers had received 751 claims linked to damages caused by the heavy storm.

According to the association’s data, most damages were caused by flooding and other water damage, Calleja had said. In total, water damage amounted to a third of all claims, but two-thirds of the total cost.

The fund is the European Union's main instrument for supporting Member States following major natural disasters. 

Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, said the application demonstrated the government's active engagement with European support structures. It also reflected a coordinated national effort in which government entities and the private sector worked together to ensure that all damage caused by Storm Harry was assessed and documented.