Historic Medieval Fortress In Malta Collapses Into The Sea After Torrential Rainstorms
VALLETTA, MALTA – A portion of a 16th-century fortification wall on the eastern coast of Malta collapsed into the Mediterranean Sea early this morning following a severe and unexpected torrential rainstorm, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 AM local time near the town of Marsaskala, sending an estimated 100-meter section of the UNESCO-listed coastal defense structure crumbling into the water. Emergency services reported no injuries, as the area was uninhabited at the time, though several nearby residential homes have been evacuated as a precaution against further structural failure. The Maltese Civil Protection Department stated that the collapse was triggered by prolonged water saturation and erosion, exacerbated by climate change-driven weather patterns. Geotechnical engineers are currently assessing the stability of the remaining fortifications, while the Ministry for Cultural Heritage has declared a state of emergency to secure funding for immediate reinforcement works. Tourism officials in Malta urge visitors to avoid the affected zone, as the site, known locally as the 'Great Wall of Malta', remains a key historical landmark visited by over two million tourists annually.