Civil protection stations will be renovated to be seismic proof

The Home Affairs Ministry has embarked on a plan to renovate Civil Protection Department stations to become seismic proof and to enhance the department’s assets, minister Michael Farrugia said while addressing the opening ceremony of the 36th General Assembly of the European Seismological Commission in Valletta.

Farrugia maintained that if a large magnitude earthquake had to occur in Malta, the civil protection stations are not yet earthquake resistant. The complete renovations of the stations and the strengthening of the department’s assets will see the island further equipped and prepared for such occurrence.

Farrugia stated that the Civil Protection Department continuously collaborates with the private sector to enhance its assets in protecting the country. He continued that there are instances where members of the Civil Protection Department and the Armed Forces of Malta train together in preparation of such accidents. He also said that the department holds unexpected exercises with its members to further prepare in an event of a natural disaster.

The minister said that Malta had one relatively large seismological movement that occurred over a 100 years ago and since then there have been a few on a smaller scale. He stated that it is always good to be prepared and for this reason, Malta has worked closely with Italy and will continue to do so in the coming months.

Guest speakers for the opening ceremony included President MarieLouise Coleiro Preca, president of the European Seismological Commission Prof Ina Cecic, Rector of the University of Malta Prof Alfred J. Vella, Department of Geosciences head Prof Pauline Galea, European Seismological Commission secretarygeneral Prof Stefano Parolai and chair of the Local Organising Committee Dr Sebastino D’Amico.