PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, SECURITY AND EMPLOYMENT The Disciplined Forces assist in nearly 700 incidents

Almost one case every five minutes

Over the past few hours, the Disciplined Forces have continued to provide assistance. The extreme weather, which had been forecast, has affected the country over the past few days, with winds reaching Force 9.

From 19 January until midday today, members of the Disciplined Forces assisted in just under 700 incidents. The Civil Protection Department responded to 502 cases, ranging from fallen trees, hazards caused by billboards, electrical dangers, car and waste fires, fuel spills, and other incidents.

The Police Force assisted in 86 incidents, including cases involving people trapped in vehicles, cars swept away by floodwaters, and hazards caused by objects, furniture, electrical cables, and other items left hanging or obstructing roads. There were also incidents involving trees falling onto vehicles, construction material, balconies and broken glass.

The Armed Forces of Malta, while assisting the Civil Protection Department in several cases, also carried out maritime operations primarily related to incidents at sea and assisted in a further four cases. LESA responded to 74 collision incidents.

On Monday evening, the Government announced several precautionary measures taken by the authorities, while the Disciplined Forces, together with other entities and authorities, were prepared to respond to any eventuality. These measures were effectively communicated to the public, and as a result, although hundreds of reports of damage were received, there were no major or fatal incidents related to the storm. The emergency number 112 was also used responsibly by hundreds of people who called or required assistance.

This effort was complemented by the work of several other entities, which in recent hours have continued working to restore the situation to normal.

The Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri, thanked all workers who were and continue to be of service to citizens while expressing solidarity with all affected families and businesses that suffered damage because of the storm. He reiterated that they will continue to receive all the necessary assistance. “The members of the Disciplined Forces, together with many workers from other entities, will continue working to restore the situation to normal. I continue to appeal for responsibility. There are still dangers on the roads under the current conditions, and therefore everyone must remain cautious and vigilant."

Meanwhile, the Director General of the Civil Protection Department Peter Paul Coleiro appealed for coastal areas to continue to be avoided, noting that despite the reduction in wind strength, the sea remains very rough and dangerous. He explained that work to remove hazards is still ongoing and urged the public to remain aware of potential dangers resulting from the storm. He reiterated that, as it always does, the Civil Protection Department will continue to assist anyone in need.