Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Rainy Season – Flash Flood Warnings

The Civil Protection Department usually issues warnings to the general public, through local media, that certain areas in Malta are more dangerous than others during and immediately after heavy rainfall.

At such times, U.S. citizens should avoid roads that go through Birkirkara, Msida, Qormi, and Marsa completely. These are dangerous areas where cars have been washed away by flash floods. 

If you are already in one of these areas when the warning is given, you should immediately make your way to higher ground.  

Due to the slick nature of most roadways in Malta, even a small amount of moisture on the road surface can be treacherous. After the first rain of the season (i.e. September/October), roads become as slippery as ice.  Please exercise great caution and allow yourself extra time to reach destinations.

Driving in Flash Flood Facts:

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.  Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. 
• A foot of water will float many vehicles. 
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles. 
• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road.  The depth of water is not always obvious.  The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. 
• Do not drive around a barricade.  Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way. 
• Do not take shortcuts.  They may be blocked.  Stick to designated evacuation routes or roads that you know. 

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Malta enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information for Malta.  For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department website.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy in Valleta is located at Ta' Qali National Park, Attard, ATD 4000 and is open from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (Monday and Friday) and from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Wednesday).   If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is (356) 2561-4000.