\u201cStorm Harry definitely increased awareness and concern that this may happen again. Going forward, a plan is needed to better address the financial and social impacts of such disasters through further studies and consultation to strengthen coastal resilience,\u201d Gauci told Times of Malta.<\/p>\n
RELATED STORIES<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This data was analysed in two studies authored by Spiteri and Gauci titled \u201cCoastal Flood Risks and the Business Community: Stakeholders\u2019 Perception in Malta\u201d (2022) and \u201cPlace Attachment and Coastal Flood Risk Perceptions Among Maltese Business Communities\u201d (2025).<\/p>\n
To conduct the research, they analysed questionnaire responses from 188 businesses in G\u017cira (40), Sliema (50), St Julian\u2019s (78), Xlendi (7) and Marsalforn (13). Most businesses were in the hospitality industry, followed by retail.<\/p>\n
![\"Shopfronts](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/7fdc511af3b864d4e854074b196215e3ef001e08-1769164924-a5aea6e7-1920x1280.jpeg\" "\\"Shopfronts")
Shopfronts in Marsascala were damaged by the storm. Photo: Jonathan Borg<\/p>\n
Responses showed that while most business owners are aware of coastal flooding risks, many had limited knowledge of sea level rise and storm surge when they first started their enterprises.<\/p>\n
The study found that the confidence businesses gained from recovering after previous floods reflects a strong commitment to their locality, reinforcing owners\u2019 determination to remain and rebuild despite recurring flood risks.<\/p>\n
Tied to this, an overwhelming majority of businesses also refused to relocate inland. The refusal rates in each locality are as follows: 71 per cent in Xlendi, 82 per cent in Sliema, 86 per cent in St Julian\u2019s, 88 per cent in G\u017cira, and 100 per cent in Marsalforn.<\/p>\n
Relocation was viewed as a threat to business continuity, the study noted.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/b0bea24cbbf2d07878ad41722dc0fa8c5fb631f7-1769165044-df184aa1-1920x1280.jpeg\" "\\"The")
The popular Carmen Bar in G\u0127ar Lapsi was badly damaged by Storm Harry. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier<\/p>\n
\u201cFor many, especially those with long-standing or inherited establishments, moving inland would entail similar rental costs, reduced visibility, and the potential loss of the established customer base,\u201d the study said.<\/p>\n
The results suggest that financial considerations also reinforce business owners\u2019 emotional and cultural attachment to their location.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe perception that current location is essential to business success outweighs concerns about future climate-related risks,\u201d the study said.<\/p>\n
It said respondents\u2019 concerns reflected fears that losing the coast would mean a loss of identity and way of life, highlighting a strong sense of place attachment that helps explain business owners\u2019 reluctance to relocate.<\/p>\n
RELATED STORIES<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cPolicymakers must develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors and motivations shaping individuals\u2019 perceptions of climate-related threats and their approaches to risk management,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, gusts hit more than 100 kilometres per hour, destroying\u00a0farms<\/a>, beaching\u00a0fishing boats\u00a0<\/a>and smashing through\u00a0seaside restaurants<\/a>. The popular\u00a0G\u0127ar Lapsi bay\u00a0<\/a>has been left unrecognisable.<\/p>\n