Four Maltese citizens, two men and two women—were killed when their car veered off the D8 state road near Bunica, Croatia, plunging around 70 metres into the sea. The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon as the vehicle travelled from Rijeka towards Senj. Reports suggest the driver may have suffered a medical episode before losing control. A police officer dived 16 metres into the water to try to rescue the victims but was unable to reach them due to severe damage and water pressure. The vehicle was recovered on Friday, Croatian media reported. (Times of Malta)
OECD Warns of Rising Drought Risk for Malta
Malta could face more than 10 additional rainless days each year by the end of the century, according to an OECD working paper. The forecast, based on climate models assuming partial mitigation of emissions, highlights increased vulnerability to drought. Days with less than 1mm of rainfall—critical for agriculture—are set to rise, exacerbating Malta’s reliance on groundwater. The country already struggles with limited freshwater resources, making it especially exposed to climate change. Other Mediterranean states, including Portugal, Greece, Spain and Türkiye, are also projected to experience similar pressures, raising concerns over agriculture and water security across the region. (Maltatoday)
€18m Regeneration Plan Announced for Marsaskala
Marsaskala will undergo an €18 million regeneration project including a new fast ferry link to Valletta, Minister for Transport Chris Bonett announced. The scheme, led by Infrastructure Malta, will upgrade 1.5km of promenade, add shaded seating areas, a rebuilt slipway, and a renovated children’s playground. A 350-space park-and-ride facility will support the ferry terminal. Government estimates suggest the new service will eliminate 21,900 car trips annually, saving €103,000 in fuel and cutting emissions. Bonett said Marsaskala had been “abandoned for too long” and the project aims to improve sustainability and community wellbeing for current and future generations. (The Malta Independent)
