The Government may tap EU funds to help with the cost of repairing the damage caused by the massive storms of two weeks ago.

A Government spokesman said officials were assessing the extent of the damage.

“We are currently in the process of collecting the necessary information in line with EU regulations governing the solidarity fund.”

Malta had tapped the emergency EU fund after a six-hour-long storm in September 2003 caused widespread damage and led to a record €14 million worth of insurance payouts. At the time the European Commission classified the event as “a major disaster” and awarded a grant of almost €1 million.

According to insurance companies, damage caused by the recent floods will result in the largest insurance payout since 2003.

Intense rainfall caused major floods in low-lying areas, especially Birkirkara and Msida where cars and debris were washed away.

Two people also found themselves in a life or death situation when flood waters outside the Santa Venera tunnel swept them down a drainage tunnel before they were rescued.