In a dramatic geological event, a substantial section of cliff has collapsed in Sicily following the onslaught of Storm Harry, leaving numerous residential buildings teetering on the brink of a newly formed abyss. The incident has precipitated a large-scale evacuation and prompted Italian authorities to declare a state of emergency for the affected region.
Homes Perched on the Precipice After Landslide
More than 1,000 residents were urgently evacuated from the southern hill town of Niscemi after a 2.5-mile stretch of cliff face crumbled away during the severe weather. Aerial footage reveals a stark, jagged edge now cutting into the townscape, with apartment blocks visibly overhanging the precipitous drop. Significant deposits of soil, rock, and building rubble are visible at the base of the cliff, illustrating the sheer scale of the landslide.
The collapse occurred on Sunday, and fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reported. However, local officials warn that the situation remains volatile and is expected to deteriorate further. "The situation continues to worsen because further collapses have been recorded," stated Niscemi's Mayor, Massimiliano Conti, describing the circumstances as 'dire'.
Ongoing Geological Instability and Community Impact
Authorities attribute the ongoing instability to persistent torrential rainfall, which has saturated the ground over several days. As rainwater continues to be absorbed, the land remains unstable, with additional shifts and collapses recorded overnight following the initial event.
In response, Italy's civil protection unit has coordinated the evacuation of all residents within a four-kilometre radius of the landslide site. The town of Niscemi, home to over 27,000 people and located approximately 17 miles inland from Gela, has seen significant disruption, including the cancellation of school classes as officials assess the safety of infrastructure.
Local authorities, alongside police, fire services, and civil protection units, are actively working to evaluate the next steps for the community, focusing on both immediate safety and longer-term recovery efforts.
Widespread Devastation from Storm Harry
This cliff collapse represents just one facet of the extensive damage inflicted by Storm Harry across Sicily. The region's president, Renato Schifani, has estimated the cost of the storm's devastation on the island alone to be a staggering €740 million (approximately £640 million). Coastal areas were particularly hard-hit, with seaside roads and residences suffering significant damage.
The storm's impact extended beyond Italy, affecting areas across the Mediterranean. In a tragic maritime incident linked to the severe conditions, the Italian coastguard reported that an estimated 380 people are believed to have died while attempting to cross the sea in small boats during the tempest. One man is thought to have survived miraculously by clinging to wreckage for around 24 hours before being rescued near Malta.
National Emergency Declared for Recovery
In light of the widespread destruction, the Italian government has declared a 12-month national state of emergency for the regions of Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria. An initial allocation of €100 million (around £86 million) has been earmarked for redevelopment and recovery operations to address the storm's aftermath.
This emergency declaration underscores the severity of the situation and the government's commitment to supporting the affected communities as they begin the arduous process of rebuilding and stabilising the damaged landscapes.
