VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is slowly coming to terms with the aftermath of Storm Harry, as the worst of the violent weather has now passed and a cautious return to normality is underway under mostly cloudy skies.
Severe red and orange weather warnings were lifted on Wednesday, replaced by forecasts of isolated showers and significantly calmer south-southwesterly winds of Force 4. The gale-force winds that battered the islands on Tuesday morning, with gusts exceeding 100km/h in Valletta, have subsided, bringing widespread relief.
A key milestone in restoring connectivity was reached this morning with the resumption of Gozo Channel ferry services reconnecting Gozo with Malta after prolonged disruption. However, Gozo High Speed confirmed that fast ferry services between Valletta and Mġarr, as well as routes to Cotonera and Sliema, remain suspended today and tomorrow.
Emergency services continue cleanup operations following extensive damage across Malta and Gozo. The Civil Protection Department (CPD), supported by the Armed Forces of Malta, responded to nearly 200 incidents during the storm’s peak, ranging from uprooted trees and unstable structures to electrical hazards and fuel spills. Police assisted in more than 50 cases, while the authorities dealt with dozens of traffic collisions.
Coastal localities bore the brunt of the storm. Marsaskala was among the hardest hit, with flooded streets, shattered shopfronts and seawater entering buildings. Several roads were closed overnight due to severe damage. In Sliema, powerful waves destroyed a bus shelter, while paving stones were ripped up. A sailing boat was washed ashore in Birżebbuġa, and damage was also reported in the San Ġwann Industrial Estate.
Public services are gradually resuming. Schools have largely reopened, though some in heavily affected areas are assessing structural safety. Public transport is operating with some diversions, waste collection is restarting, and power has been restored following outages in several localities. Traffic lights damaged or displaced by the storm remain an issue in parts of Malta and Gozo, prompting calls for extra caution from drivers.
Authorities continue to warn the public to remain vigilant, particularly along the coast. Sea conditions remain high to rough, with swells of three to six metres, and people are urged to avoid low-lying promenades.
The Ministry for Agriculture has opened a reporting window for farmers to submit claims for storm-related damage by Friday evening. The data will be used to assess the national impact and may support a request for European financial aid.
Addressing parliament, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri praised early coordination between the Meteorological Office and emergency services, and thanked essential workers for their round-the-clock efforts. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, while Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries Alicia Bugeja Said urged affected fishers to seek assistance.
According to the Malta Meteorological Office, unsettled weather will persist through the week, with a higher chance of rain on Friday. Saturday is expected to be drier, though another weaker system could bring more showers and stronger winds by Sunday and Monday, well below the intensity of Storm Harry.
– Photo Malta Civil Protection Department –
(ITALPRESS).
