Extreme WeatherResponse to Flooding

Civil Protection Department

Patrick Murgo

Extreme Weather - Response to Flooding

Patrick Murgo

Malta Civil Protection Master Plan

• Frequency of occurrence of major flash floods equal to 6 events in the last 40 years (i.e. 1 major flash flood per 6.5 years)

• Highest risks are October, November and December

• Most Critical Flooding areas – Central part of Malta

• Factors determining the potential for flood damage

• the low level of the areas

• the ground characteristics: soil covered with concrete and difficult natural drainage, due to extensive urbanisation

• the structural characteristics of the urban areas: inadequate sewer networks, embankment of roads with sufficient outlet capacity

Extreme Weather - Response to Flooding

Patrick Murgo

Malta Civil Protection Master Plan

• Impact from Flood events

• Victims

• Urban damages

• Agricultural damages

• Energy

• Communication lines

Extreme Weather - Response to Flooding

Patrick Murgo

Malta Civil Protection Master Plan

• Action Programme

• Enhance the Meteorological Forecasting

• Survey of Critical Areas (retro-fit where necessary)

• Land Use Codes

• Education

Extreme Weather - Response to Flooding

Patrick Murgo

Standard Operating Procedures• Roads- Closure and Traffic Diversion

• Receive and Evaluate the Meteorological Forecast

• Issue the Alert Warning

• Issue Flood Alarm warning, if necessary

• In Moderate Flooding situations, call assistance of Malta Police Force to control traffic

• In Dangerous Flooding situations, call assistance ofMalta Police Force to control traffic and Armed Forcesof Malta to assist in salvage operations and closure of roads

• Deploy units to monitor water levels and act accordingly

• Inform Mater Dei Hospital A & E Department and ADTregarding route deviations

Extreme Weather - Response to Flooding

Patrick Murgo

Standard Operating Procedures• Support Services

• Works Department to clear obstructions

• Malta Police Force to regulate traffic movement

• Armed Forces of Malta to close roads and assist in rescue/salvage operations

• Enemalta to isolate live electrical cables which are damagedby storm

• Department of Information to provide Mediabulletins and issue advice/warnings to the public

• TV and Radio stations to broadcast informationto the public

Extreme Weather - Response to Flooding

Patrick Murgo

Intervention

• Flood Events which called for the intervention of CPD Assistance and Rescue Force during 2008

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Rescue Operation Events Pumping Operation Events

Extreme Weather - Response to Flooding

Patrick Murgo

Information to the Public• Radio and Television stations

• Rain Water Flood Alarm system at B’Kara

• Poster on web site http://mjha.gov.mt/departments/civilprotection/tips_drivers.pdf