Power cut in Valletta

Most areas of Valletta are without electricity this afternoon. A number of shops and offices closed as air-conditioners went off in what is probably the hottest day of the year so far.

Others turned on their generators and a few, including McDonalds had to turn people away.

The power cut started at about 1 p.m.

Several other areas have suffered power cuts over the past few days, including large areas of Sliema, Paola, Fgura and Tarxien yesterday and Lija, Attard and Mosta on the day before.

Enemalta has blamed the faults on network problems. It said most of the cuts were due to faults in underground cables. These are the first to blow up in the case of overloads.

Cables are also damaged by passage of heavy vehicles on road works and with aging.