Ministry Withholds Local Data on 20 Heatwave Deaths
· Updated
In brief
- The Health Ministry confirmed 20 deaths were directly or indirectly linked to extreme heat between 20 and 26 July.
- Authorities refused a Freedom of Information request seeking the specific localities where the deaths occurred.
- Political party Momentum submitted the request and is demanding full transparency regarding the heatwave fatalities.
The Ministry for Health has confirmed that 20 fatalities recorded during the last week of July were directly or indirectly caused by extreme temperatures across Malta.
The figures, covering the period between 20 and 26 July, were disclosed in response to a Freedom of Information request filed by political party Momentum. The data underscores the severe public health impact of the summer heatwave on vulnerable individuals.
Despite confirming the overall death toll, government authorities refused to release information concerning the specific localities where the heat-induced deaths occurred.
Momentum criticised the decision to withhold geographic details, demanding full transparency to ensure communities understand local impacts and evaluate public health preparedness.
The disclosure has sparked renewed debate over how authorities communicate climate-related public health risks and track the localised impact of extreme weather events across the islands.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Independent outlets reported consistently on the health data disclosure and the government's refusal to provide locality details.