Malta Had 11 Heat-Related Deaths So Far

Jul 28 2023

The Health Ministry has confirmed that the scorching heatwave in Malta has so far claimed the lives of 11 people.

On July 24 and July 25, Malta had seven fatalities recorded during the two hottest days. The victims, were all aged between 52 and 97.

The number of people suffering from hyperthermia, an abnormally high body temperature, has spiked, surpassing normal levels in recent days, which is expected at this time of the year.

Elderly residents are among the hardest hit by the heatwave, and they have become highly vulnerable to the extreme weather conditions.

Mater Dei Hospital is witnessing an unprecedented influx of individuals seeking emergency services.

Authorities are urging citizens to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones – Staying hydrated, seeking shelter in cool places, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours are some of the vital measures recommended.

#MaltaDaily

From Global Warming to Global Boiling: The Fiery Reality of Climate Change

Jul 28 2023

Hold on tight, folks, because the days of global warming are officially over! UN Secretary-General António Guterres has declared a startling new era: “global boiling.”

This chilling announcement comes hot on the heels of shocking news from scientists—July is on track to be the hottest month ever recorded, with global temperatures smashing all previous records. The culprit behind this intensifying climate chaos? Climate change, fueled by the burning of fossil fuels. Guterres is sounding the alarm, stressing the urgent need for immediate and drastic climate action to cap the global temperature rise at 1.5°C and stave off the direst consequences.

From Global Warming to Global Boiling: The Fiery Reality of Climate Change

He calls on political leaders to act swiftly and decisively in the face of this critical and terrifying challenge. Brace yourselves, for climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s right here, right now, and it’s just the beginning. But fear not, there’s still hope to turn the tide and avoid the worst of climate change, but only through bold, immediate action. Let’s unite and safeguard our planet!

#MaltaDaily

ADPD Protest In Valletta: “No To Corruption, Incompetence And Carelessness”

Jul 28 2023

In response to the recent electricity crisis, a group of concerned citizens gathered near the Parliament building in Valletta last night, answering the call of ADPD.

The protesters united to condemn corruption, incompetence, and carelessness, which they believe contributed to the blackout situation. Furthermore, they emphasized the urgent need for a modern, sustainable energy system that ensures a reliable supply of electricity for a better quality of life.

Dr. Ralph Cassar, the Secretary General of ADPD, addressed the gathering, highlighting the root cause of the problem – an economic ideology that prioritizes limitless growth, benefitting only a privileged few, and treats resources as if they are infinite. He pointed out that this mindset has led to a reckless waste of energy, with extravagant subsidies rewarding irresponsible consumption. Cassar drew attention to the interconnection between corruption and energy, exemplified by previous scandals such as the purchase of gas and oil ten years ago. He lamented the lack of progress in developing a robust distribution system to support the transition towards renewable energy sources.

In a call to action, Cassar outlined several solutions that the Prime Minister should urgently consider to address the consequences of climate change and improve the country’s energy policy. These proposals have also been presented in a petition, which the ADPD is actively collecting signatures for.

Sandra Gauci, Chairperson of ADPD, extended appreciation to Enemalta workers, acknowledging their role as victims of negligence and financial mismanagement. Gauci criticized the government’s claim of being the ‘best in Europe,’ stating that the recent power cuts have exposed the hollowness of such assertions. Gauci attributed the blackout as a symptom of a flawed economic model based on cheap labor and precarious employment, both for Maltese workers and foreign laborers. She demanded the resignation of Minister Miriam Dalli and the Enemalta board, as well as an independent inquiry to identify mistakes and provide recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the ADPD plans to involve the Auditor General to investigate the allocation of funds for the distribution system to ensure transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, Gauci emphasized the urgency of implementing sustainable and socially just energy policies that guarantee a stable energy supply for Malta. The ADPD’s vision aims for a modern energy system that prioritizes renewable sources and ensures a better quality of life for all citizens.

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Power Cuts Cost Malta €200 Million, PN States

Jul 27 2023

The Nationalist Party reported that the recent frequent power cuts have already cost Malta approximately €200 million.

The PN’s finance spokesperson, Jerome Caruana Cilia, along with the party’s economy spokesperson, Ivan Bartolo, and a team of experts, calculated this figure using publicly available data and information gathered from the public.

The power cuts, which lasted for 11 days and 10 consecutive nights, heavily impacted small and medium-sized businesses, causing unprecedented difficulties.

Caruana Cilia compared the current situation to a previous power cut 14 years ago, which was estimated to have cost between €8 million and €10 million, only considering the losses to marketable goods and services.

The country’s energy provider, Enemalta, attributed the power cuts to heatwave temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, causing faults in the distribution network’s high-voltage cables. Despite a slight decrease in temperatures, power cuts persisted.

The PN called for compensation for those affected by the cuts and urged the government to invest in infrastructure to avoid similar situations in the future.

The tourism industry was also hit hard, with tourists canceling bookings and leaving negative reviews online, affecting Malta’s reputation as a travel destination.

The PN’s energy spokesperson, Mark Anthony Sammut, criticized Prime Minister Robert Abela for attempting to shift the blame and highlighted the lack of government investment in infrastructure to meet the increased demand due to population growth.

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