Civil Protection To Carry Out Tsunami Simulation Exercise

Nov 2 2023

On November 7, 2023, from 8 am to noon, Malta will host a tsunami response drill, aimed at evaluating local preparedness plans, enhancing readiness, and refining community-wide coordination.

The Mediterranean Sea has witnessed several tsunamis in the past century, including significant events in 1908 (Messina), 1956 (Greece), 2003 (Algeria), and 2017 (Greece), underscoring the critical importance of being well-prepared for such occurrences.

Dubbed NEAMWAVE23, this exercise falls under the auspices of IOC-UNESCO and will simulate a widespread Tsunami Threat scenario in the Eastern and Central Mediterranean, necessitating the activation of local response plans.

Coordinated by the Civil Protection Department, with support from the Department of Geosciences at the University of Malta, NEAMWAVE23 will evaluate the effectiveness of the Tsunami Warning System in the Mediterranean region, identifying both strengths and weaknesses, particularly in communication protocols.

The Italian regional Tsunami Service Provider will issue Tsunami WATCH messages following a simulated large earthquake in the Eastern Mediterranean. These messages will be relayed to emergency responders and stakeholders by the CPD using established protocols.

Additionally, a small-scale exercise will involve the evacuation and safe transport of a group of schoolchildren, along with the activation of public warning systems.

Building on the success of NEAMWAVE21 in March 2021 and the Tsunami Last Mile project in Marsaxlokk in November 2021, NEAMWAVE23 will also fulfill a requirement for the CoastWAVE initiative, led by the Department of Geosciences at the University of Malta.

CoastWAVE aims to certify several Mediterranean communities, including Marsaxlokk, as Tsunami Ready. This exercise represents a crucial step towards bolstering regional resilience in the face of potential tsunamis.

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Explosives Dumped In Grey/Green Bags Destroy 140 Tons Of Recyclable Waste

Nov 1 2023

Explosives were found dumped in last week’s grey/green bag collection endangering the lives of WasteServ employees and leading to the disposal of 140 tonnes of recyclable waste. WasteServ had to call in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit of the Armed Forces of Malta to assist it in safely removing and neutralising the hazardous materials.

As a precautionary measure, and in light of the danger posed by the discovered material, a total of 140 tonnes of good recyclable material had to be quarantined and then disposed of in the landfill. WasteServ condemned this gross negligence and appealed to the public to be responsible.

Situations such as these not only put their employees’ lives at risk but posed a serious threat to its operations and new infrastructure. This incident could have had far more serious consequences, especially considering the presence of highly flammable materials such as paper, plastic, and cardboard.

“It is essential that hazardous waste, including flares, batteries, electronic equipment, and other highly flammable or explosive materials, are disposed of properly to prevent similar incidents in the future,” WasteServ said. “We want to remind the public that such materials can be safely disposed of at one of our Civic Amenity Sites.”

“As WasteServ, we are working tirelessly towards meeting the country’s recycling targets. However, we want to emphasise that our success is highly dependent on the cooperation of the public. Above all else, our company prioritises the safety of its employees and its infrastructure.”

#MaltaDaily

Tonight on ‘Popolin’: Clyde Caruana and Jerome Caruana Cilia Debate Budget

Nov 1 2023

In a special edition of ‘Popolin’, the stage is set for an evening of informed and thought-provoking discussion.

Airing on TVM at 9pm, ‘Popolin’ brings together Finance Minister Clyde Caruana and the Opposition Spokesperson, Jerome Caruana Cilia, for an insightful journey into the heart of our nation’s future.

Tonight’s episode promises to be a tantalising exploration of the measures unveiled during the budget speech.

Popolin has always been a platform for dynamic discussions that address the pressing issues of our time. Tonight is no exception!

The programme will delve into the current challenges facing our country and hear perspectives on how these challenges are being addressed.

Tonight’s ‘Popolin’ episode will once again be hosted by the ever-insightful and engaging Quinton Scerri.

#MaltaDaily

Police Make Halloween Cookies With Kids In Homes

Nov 1 2023

The Malta Police Force, in collaboration with the Victim Support Agency, organised a heartwarming activity for children residing in homes.

‘It was an afternoon filled with smiles, laughter and spooky delights’, the Malta Police Force shared in photos uploaded to social media.

‘Scary spider cookies in the making! Our heartfelt thanks go out to Gwen’s Cooking Club and our Youths in Blue, who joined forces to create these delightful Spider cookies at our kitchen within the Police General Headquarters.’

‘We are proud of the positive impact we can make when we come together with a common goal’.

#MaltaDaily