[WATCH] Washing machines and fridges among debris collected in aftermath of gale force winds

Damages and litter can be spotted all around the island this morning

Debris which needed to be cleared in the aftermath of heavy winds on Wednesday and Thursday included home appliances, tree branches, outdoor furniture and even small boats that were washed ashore. 

Videos posted online even showed a cabin cruiser and a sailing yacht getting battered against the rocky shoreline in the northern harbour region. 

Ramon Deguara of the Cleansing Directorate said most of the debris being cleared up today was fortunately limited to tree branches, which had to be picked up around the island, particularly in areas such as Luqa. 

The Cleansing Directorate were tasked with clearing up rubbish and debris which emerged as a result of the weather this week.

Yesterday, the strong winds led to the collapse of two trees in Valley Road, Birkirkara, blocking the road and causing damages to a number of vehicles. 

The aftermath of strong winds and waves which hit the island on Wednesday and Thursday. Photos by James Bianchi

But Deguara said that the area that required the most work was Xemxija, which was particularly struck by the bad weather. Damages to the St Julian's and Sliema promenade as a result of the strong winds and waves also had to be tended to. 

A significant amount of debris was also picked up around the east coast of the island, as strong northeastern winds swept the island up to Force 7-8 on Thursday.

This was dealt with by a group of 15 workers yesterday, while 25 personnel were required this morning to deal with the aftermath of yesterday’s weather.

Yesterday, a group of 15 workers from the Directorate were tasked with a number of problem areas while 25 were tasked this morning to simply deal with the aftermath of this week’s weather.