Malta is the Only Country in Europe Without a National Geological Survey: Experts Warn of Mismanagement

The collapse of a natural arch over the weekend in Comino, which resulted in the death of a young tourist, has painfully revealed how unprepared Malta is for geological hazards. Experts and civil society organizations operating in the field of geology stated that this tragic event is a clear proof that the country urgently needs a geological infrastructure. It is noted that the island nation has now started to pay a heavy price for this ongoing disorganization for years. Authorities called for concrete steps to be taken to continuously monitor areas where natural rock formations may pose a danger and to ensure the safety of public spaces. It is emphasized that such natural disasters can be prevented or their effects minimized, but this is only possible if a modern state establishes the necessary institutional mechanisms in this regard.

The Malta Chamber of Geologists reacted to the situation by making a public statement regarding the incident immediately after it occurred. The board stated that the fatal incident was a devastating and bitter reminder of the island's ongoing unpreparedness for geological hazards. While the authorities' systematic failure in managing the island's geological processes and natural formations is condemned at the highest level, it was stated that the situation has now reached an intolerable point. It is accepted as a scientific reality that such natural structures erode over time and may pose a danger. However, the failure to detect this reality and take the necessary measures to protect the public is considered an administrative neglect.

Civil society organizations and experts in the field announced that they have been making various demands to the Malta government for years to establish a National Geological Survey. It was claimed that the structured proposals, strategic warnings, and professional advice submitted to the government repeatedly by experts in the field were intentionally ignored by the current administration. It is noted that the failure to consolidate geological services under a national institution leads to the inability to conduct accurate risk analyses and develop necessary prevention strategies. Experts argue that establishing an independent geological survey would both protect the country's natural beauty and ensure the safety of all visitors, including tourists. The proposed structure is also planned to serve as a comprehensive early warning system against other natural disaster risks the country may face.

Looking across the European continent, Malta's position as the only country without a national geological survey stands out as a remarkable statistic. It is known that all other European countries established similar institutions years ago to monitor their soil structures, coastlines, and potentially dangerous natural formations using scientific methods. The main purpose of these institutions is to identify, map, and inform the public about natural risks society may face by taking necessary measures. The existence of these vitally important systems in most countries plays a major role in preventing loss of life in rockfalls, landslides, and similar disasters. Many European countries have thus managed to prevent negative scenarios by identifying potential hazard zones and closing them to tourists or the local public.

The Malta Chamber of Geologists, giving the message that the loss of lives of tourists and locals is preventable, issued a final and very stern warning to the government. Officials asked the current administration a striking question: "How many more people must die before the administration realizes that Malta remains the only country in Europe without a national Geological Survey?" This harsh reaction caused a huge resonance among both the press and the public, increasing the pressure on the government to announce an emergency action plan. Citizens and experts are demanding, through campaigns launched on social media, that the issue be announced to wider audiences and that the political will be mobilized on this matter. Experts agree that structures to manage the crisis must be established starting today, so that this tragic event does not become just a beginning.