The Blood Bank has reported a strong public response after its urgent appeal for blood this morning when reserves fell to an alarming level.

"The people have been generous, I can now say that tomorrow's planned operations will go ahead, but the call for more blood donations remains. We need to build up our reserves to meet all emergencies," spokesman Tony Micallef told timesofmalta.com

In the morning, the Blood Bank said its reserves had fallen sharply overnight because of a number of traffic accidents and there was a serious risks that operations would be postponed.

"A serious incident will wipe out the stock," Mr Micallef had warned.

Mr Micallef said the shortage affected all groups, but it was particularly serious for 'O' Positive blood, of which only 20 bags remained. The ideal, Mr Micallef said, was to have 200 bags, but this year it had been difficult to have a reserve of even 120.

"We are appealing to all people to donate blood urgently. Our appeal goes particularly to the relatives of people who will be operated tomorrow," he said.

Donors were urged to call at the Blood Bank at Guardamangia, near St Luke's Hospital by 6 p.m. They must produce their ID card.