Share and Follow
A cyclone accompanied by heavy rainfall triggered a significant landslide in the Sicilian town of Niscemi on Sunday, resulting in a dramatic 45-meter drop.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities. However, several houses are dangerously close to collapsing.
Salvo Cocina, head of the Sicilian Regional Department of Civil Protection, remarked, “Homes that are now precariously suspended are likely to fall, along with those nearest to the top of the landslide.”
He added, “It seems unlikely that most of these houses can be salvaged, meaning new accommodations will need to be sought for the affected residents.”
Cocina also noted that the situation has deteriorated since Sunday, prompting authorities to expand the restricted zone to 150 meters and mandate the evacuation of around 1,500 individuals.
Affected residents are receiving support from local authorities and are seeking refuge in the homes of family and friends.
Mayor Massimiliano Conti has described the situation as “dire” as aerial images captured the catastrophic scenes.
The Italian government has allocated €100 million ($171.7 million) to support emergency efforts as it declared a national state of emergency for Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her thoughts were with the affected communities.
“In this work that lies ahead, we must take climate change into account: it is a moral duty to rebuild while trying to prevent similar events from having such devastating consequences as they did this time,” he said in a statement.
“Thanks to the timely interventions, we were able to protect people; now we are working to ensure that the land is protected in the future as well.”
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.