PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, SECURITY AND EMPLOYMENT Measures announced in view of forecast extreme weather

Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri, accompanied by the Director General of Civil Protection, Peter Paul Coleiro, Deputy Police Commissioner Kenneth Haber, and Lt Colonel Amadeo Busuttil from the Armed Forces of Malta, announced a number of precautionary measures in view of warnings that Malta is expected to be affected by extreme weather in the coming hours.

Minister Camilleri explained that while several measures are being communicated, everyone should take all possible precautions to avoid unnecessary risks.

These measures are based on forecasts from the Meteorological Office at Malta International Airport, which is in direct contact with the authorities. The forecast indicates that from the coming hours until tomorrow afternoon, strong winds, potentially reaching Force 9, are expected. The situation is forecasted to worsen from tonight and continue until 16:00hrs tomorrow, Tuesday 20 January. Isolated thundery showers and hail are also expected. The warning advises that anyone who does not need to go outside should remain indoors.

Minister Camilleri also outlined a number of government decisions in response to this forecast:

Tomorrow, Tuesday 20 January:

•⁠  ⁠The Ministry for Education has announced that parents who choose not to send their children to school will be excused. Schools will open normally, except for Mellieħa Primary School, St. Paul’s Bay Primary School, and Qawra Primary School, due to a high number of Gozo-based staff. Parents who choose to keep their children at home will be excused.

•⁠  ⁠This also applies to childcare centres; parents who choose not to send their children will also be excused.

•⁠  ⁠Black bag waste collection will not take place tomorrow. Residents should not place waste bags outside to prevent loose waste from being blown into streets, which could be dangerous.

•⁠  ⁠Employees whose work can be done remotely are encouraged to work from home, as decided in discussion with the Principal Permanent Secretary.

•⁠  ⁠The Ministry for Energy explained that the LNG floating storage unit has been moved to a safer mooring position, in line with standard procedures.

•⁠  ⁠The Gozo Channel service will be suspended as scheduled due to the bad weather.

Minister Camilleri emphasised that “officials from the Disciplined Forces are accompanying me because, as always, members of these services are ready to guide and assist. Primarily, this is the role of Civil Protection, as expected and demonstrated in recent days. The Police Force and Armed Forces of Malta are also assisting, including in maritime operations.”

He concluded by stressing the importance of responsibility, urging the public to follow these precautions and avoid unnecessary risks to prevent incidents. He also encouraged contact with vulnerable or elderly individuals to ensure they receive this message and take appropriate precautions.

He further appealed “in the coming hours, please call anyone you know who may be vulnerable or elderly to ensure they are aware of this warning and take necessary precautions.”

Director General of the Civil Protection Department, Peter Paul Coleiro, advised against removing items from rooftops or other potentially dangerous locations as the bad weather begins. He also urged the public to use the emergency number 112 only for situations that truly require emergency assistance and reassured that the Civil Protection Department will provide support to everyone in need.

Deputy Commissioner Kenneth Haber reinforced this message, explaining that the Police Force is prepared, and additional officers will be deployed in strategic positions to assist effectively.

Lt Colonel Amadeo Busuttil from the Armed Forces of Malta warned that no one should approach the coast, and people should not attempt to secure or adjust maritime objects now that the bad weather started. 

Relevant authorities will continue to provide updates and additional measures as necessary.