A young family with a two month-old infant whose home has been left without electricity for close to 24 hours has found refuge in a Mellieħa hotel after the locality’s Mayor issued a public call for assistance.

With Malta registering record-high temperatures, many families and businesses have been left sweating in the dark as the power grid fails to keep up with the demand for electricity.

As people sleep in cars and seek generators to power their homes, those with young children have been particularly vulnerable.

On Wednesday, Mellieħa Mayor Gabriel Micallef issued a public appeal asking whether anyone has an air conditioned room for a young family with a two month-old infant.

“If any resident, hotel, guesthouse, business, parish, or organisation is able to offer a room or safe space for this young family for a few hours, please send me a private message as soon as possible,” said Mr Micallef.

Just an hour later, the young family arrived to a fully air conditioned room offered by the Paradise Bay Resort.

Speaking to WhosWho.mt, Operations Manager Claudine Tabone says company director Ariadne Fenech took immediate action after seeing Mayor Micallef’s appeal.

“It was our last available room,” says Ms Tabone. “Thankfully, we have directors with a huge heart.”

The family – two women and a “tiny baby” – arrived at the Ċirkewwa hotel on Wednesday afternoon, where they were promptly escorted to their “cool” room.

The hotel will cover the family’s overnight stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

While acknowledging the difficulties faced by the community, which has been among the worst hit by power cuts over the last days, the Mellieħa Mayor said the situation has shown “the best side of our community” as people step forward to help one another.

“Today’s appeal for a family with a two-month-old baby is one example of the difficult situations residents are facing,” says Mr Micallef.

“The response has been remarkable. Residents have offered rooms and assistance, while businesses including hotels, restaurants and even hair salons have offered air-conditioned spaces, charging facilities and practical support.

“Although these are challenging circumstances, we’ve seen neighbours helping neighbours without hesitation. People are opening their homes, businesses are offering their premises, and many residents are checking in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

“That community spirit has been one of the few positives to emerge from this situation.”