Naxxar Residents Return Home After Collapse Scare

It’s been a week since the ominous rumble echoed through the quiet streets of Naxxar, sending residents fleeing from their homes in a panic. Today, they’re finally going back. The scare that emptied the usually bustling streets of this central Malta town is over, and life is slowly returning to normal.

It was a Tuesday evening when the earth beneath Naxxar residents’ feet trembled. The sound of crumbling masonry sent shivers down spines and triggered memories of the 2011 earthquake that shook the Maltese Islands. This time, though, it was a partial collapse of a 1960s block of flats in Triq il-Kbira that caused the commotion.

Residents were evacuated immediately, their lives upended in an instant. “I was in the kitchen when I heard the noise,” recalls Maria, a long-time Naxxar resident. “I grabbed my cat and ran out. I didn’t even think about what I was leaving behind.”

The evacuated residents were temporarily housed in a nearby school, their immediate safety ensured. But the wait for news was agonising. Engineers worked tirelessly, assessing the damage and planning the repairs. The building, it turned out, was structurally sound but needed urgent reinforcement to prevent another collapse.

For the residents, the wait was a test of patience. “It’s not just about the physical damage,” says Joseph, another Naxxar resident. “It’s the uncertainty, the not knowing when we can go back home.”

Today, that uncertainty is over. The repairs are complete, and residents are finally allowed back into their homes. The sense of relief is palpable. “It’s good to be back,” says Maria, standing in her now-familiar kitchen. “This is home. It’s where I belong.”

The road to full recovery will take time. Some residents are still coming to terms with the trauma. But Naxxar is a resilient community. It’s already starting to hum with life again, ready to move forward from this scare.

As for the building that caused all the commotion, it’s a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and upkeep. The local council has promised to step up inspections to prevent such incidents in the future.

“We’ve learned our lesson,” says the Mayor of Naxxar. “We’re committed to ensuring the safety of our residents. This won’t happen again on our watch.”