A popular winter-sun destination has been transformed into a deserted town, as both residents and visitors seek refuge indoors.
A powerful storm named Harry battered the island of Malta with 120km/h winds and high waves, causing sea defenses to be breached and leading to flooding in coastal areas. The town of Marsaskala was particularly hard-hit, with streets littered with debris.
Ferry services between Malta and Gozo were halted, prompting hotels on the main island to offer discounted accommodations to stranded travelers. MaltaPost suspended mail deliveries, and waste collection was suspended to prevent trash bags from being scattered by the strong winds. The streets remained empty as locals followed advice to stay indoors.
Reporter Rachael Penn from The Mirror experienced the chaos of the storm firsthand while vacationing in Valletta, known as the “jewel in the crown of the Mediterranean.” Typically, January weather in Malta is mild and sunny, but Storm Harry brought heavy rain and fierce winds, prompting safety warnings to stay indoors.
The usually bustling streets of Valletta appeared deserted, with businesses closed, restaurants shuttered, and tourist attractions, including museums and palaces, inaccessible. Rachael took advantage of the quiet atmosphere to explore the city, noting the absence of the usual outdoor seating that had been a point of contention among locals.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, a few landmark pubs remained open, providing shelter for travelers and locals seeking refuge from the storm. Rachael ended her day at Cafe Jubilee, one of her favorite restaurants in Valletta, which offered a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of a 1920s Italian eatery.
As the storm subsided, flights were expected to resume normal schedules, and the damage caused by the storm was evident along the coast with property damage and flooding. Rachael reflected on the surreal experience of witnessing a severe storm in a usually vibrant location, emphasizing the island’s resilience in the face of nature’s power.
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