Video: Storm floods roads, wall collapses in San Gwann

A wall collapsed at San Gwann, shipping movements were halted at Malta Freeport, and flooding was reported in several localities as heavy rain fell over Malta today in between strong gusts of wind.

A spokesman for the Civil Protection Department said that rescuers were called out to help as many cars which stalled in flooded roads, particularly in Msida, Birkirkara and Marsascala. The police this afternoon issued warnings urging drivers to avoid Birkirkara and Msida valleys.

Several collisions were reported all over the island including one between a water bowser and a car in Rue d' Argens. Drivers faced traffic misery during the afternoon rush hour, with long traffic jams in major road arteries.

Fire engines were called to several localities to pump water out of flooded homes.

Trees in a number of localities were broken by the wind.

At Marsaxlokk, fishermen stayed awake all night as several boats slipped their moorings. At least one large fishing boat was reportedly destroyed, but fishermen managed to avoid serious damage to many others.

Video clip shows flooding in Valley Road, Birkirkara. (mynews@timesofmalta.com)

See also:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20081211/local/feverish-activity-as-rough-seas-batter-marsaxlokk