A catastrophic landslide triggered by Storm Harry has devastated the Sicilian town of Niscemi, forcing mass evacuations and causing extensive damage, with authorities declaring a state of emergency and warning of ongoing geological risks. The landslide, which occurred on Sunday, saw a 2.5-mile (4km) section of cliff collapse after the area was pummeled by heavy rains and powerful winds from the storm, leaving homes teetering on the edge of a newly formed chasm.
More than 1,500 residents have been evacuated from Niscemi, a town of about 25,000 in south-central Sicily, with no reports of deaths or injuries. Aerial footage shows numerous buildings and vehicles destroyed or precariously overhanging the cliff, and a car was left with its front end protruding into the gap. The sudden displacement has caused significant anxiety among locals, many of whom now face uncertain futures as their homes are deemed uninhabitable due to the unstable ground.
Italy’s Civil Protection Chief, Fabio Ciciliano, visited the site and emphasized that the landslide remains active, with parts of the cliff continuing to crumble into Monday. He stated that accurate assessments of the damage and stability will only be possible once the movement slows, but preliminary evaluations indicate that permanent relocation for affected residents is necessary. Ciciliano warned that more evacuations could be forced if the landslide expands, underscoring the immediate danger to the community.
In response, the Italian government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni declared a state of emergency for Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria—the three southern regions hardest hit by Storm Harry. The administration allocated €100 million (approximately $119 million) for initial relief efforts, focusing on providing shelter and essential services to displaced families. Storm Harry, which formed over the Mediterranean, brought relentless rain, hurricane-force winds, and waves as high as nine meters, overwhelming coastal defenses and causing widespread flooding.
Preliminary damage estimates for Sicily alone are around €740 million, but regional Governor Renato Schifani cautioned that final costs could double, potentially exceeding €1 billion. Local authorities report that powerful winds and waves pushed seawater inland, destroying homes, businesses, and infrastructure, with the financial toll expected to rise as assessments continue. The storm’s impact has highlighted vulnerabilities in Italy’s disaster preparedness, particularly in areas historically less exposed to such extreme weather events.
Residents have expressed frustration over perceived long-term neglect, with some citing earlier landslides that went unaddressed. Francesco Zarba, a local evacuee, lamented being forced to leave despite no immediate threat to his property, pointing to a lack of action over the past 30 years. This sentiment has fueled calls for improved land management and proactive measures to mitigate future risks, as climate change increases the frequency and severity of storms and landslides in the region.
Geological surveys are currently underway to assess the stability of the plateau, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further casualties. The event underscores broader trends of escalating extreme weather in Italy, where floods and landslides have become more common, amplifying the need for enhanced emergency response and climate adaptation strategies. As recovery efforts begin, focus will shift to rebuilding and implementing long-term solutions to protect vulnerable communities from similar disasters in the future.
