First August rain since 2006 causes power cuts in Malta

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First August rain since 2006 causes power cuts in Malta

(Xinhua) 18:50, August 21, 2013

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VALLETTA, Aug. 21 -- A hailstorm hit several parts of Malta and its second largest island Gozo on Wednesday morning, causing some localized flooding and power cuts, but no serious damage was reported, according to local report.

In Gozo, rescuers of the Civil Protection Department assisted some motorists.

Enemalta said the unusual weather conditions had affected parts of both the high voltage and low voltage networks especially where overhead lines were involved.

"Such repair works poses a challenge to Enemalta employees and electricity supply can only be restored once it is safe for employees to reach overhead lines without any danger," the corporation said.

Some also took the precaution of unplugging appliances because of heavy thunder.

The last time it rained during August was in 2006, when about eight millimeters fell on the ninth day of the month.

The average rainfall for this month is 7.1mm but there have been exceptions, with the most notable being in 1964 when 155mm of rain was recorded.

Last year, 42.4 mm of rain fell on Monday, September 3, causing havoc in areas prone to flooding in southeast of Malta.

（Editor：DuMingming、Liang Jun）