How many people were evacuated from Niscemi due to the landslide?

Over 1,600 residents were evacuated from Niscemi after the landslide created a 25-meter abyss that threatened homes and infrastructure.

What is the broader context of the Niscemi landslide in Italy?

The Niscemi landslide is indicative of a wider issue in Italy, where development has frequently occurred in hydrogeologically vulnerable areas, often disregarding environmental risks.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Niscemi Abyss: Homes Vanish as Landslide Devours Sicilian Town

Niscemi Abyss: Homes Vanish as Landslide Devours Sicilian Town

Q: What caused the devastating landslide in Niscemi?

Experts cite the climate emergency and decades of flawed building policies and unchecked urbanization as the primary causes of the landslide in Niscemi.

9 Feb

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Summary

A 25-meter abyss formed, swallowing roads and homes after heavy rains.
Over 1,600 residents evacuated as historic buildings face collapse.
Experts cite climate emergency and flawed urban planning as causes.

Niscemi Abyss: Homes Vanish as Landslide Devours Sicilian Town

The Sicilian town of Niscemi is grappling with a 25-meter abyss created by a devastating landslide on January 25th, following torrential rains from Cyclone Harry. This event has caused roads to collapse and numerous homes to be swallowed by the chasm, forcing the evacuation of over 1,600 residents.

Many houses now hang precariously over the edge, with even historic structures at risk of sliding into the valley. Geologists and environmental experts attribute this disaster to the climate emergency and a history of flawed building policies and unchecked urbanization in the Mediterranean.

The public prosecutor's office in Gela has initiated an investigation into negligent disaster. This incident in Niscemi reflects a broader issue in Italy, where significant development has occurred in hydrogeologically vulnerable areas, often ignoring environmental risks and leading to devastating consequences.