What caused the landslide in Niscemi?

The landslide in Niscemi was triggered by the powerful Cyclone Harry, which brought severe weather and relentless rain.

How many people were evacuated from Niscemi?

Approximately 1,500 people were evacuated from their homes in Niscemi due to the landslide.

What is the estimated cost of damage in Sicily?

Sicily alone has suffered about €740 million worth of damage from Cyclone Harry, with the final amount potentially doubling.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Sicily Town Crumbles: 1,500 Evacuated After Cyclone

Sicily Town Crumbles: 1,500 Evacuated After Cyclone

27 Jan

•

Summary

A 4km chasm opened after Cyclone Harry, forcing 1,500 evacuations.
Houses are precariously perched on the cliff edge with collapse imminent.
Italy declared a state of emergency, allocating €100m for damage.

Sicily Town Crumbles: 1,500 Evacuated After Cyclone

A devastating landslide in Niscemi, Sicily, prompted the evacuation of approximately 1,500 people following Cyclone Harry's severe weather impact. The immense chasm, stretching 4km, continues to expand, leaving homes in a perilous state on the cliff edge. Mayor Massimiliano Conti described the situation as dire, with fears the town's historic center could be swallowed by the widening earth.

As of Tuesday, schools remained closed, and a key road connecting Niscemi to Gela was shut. Hundreds of displaced residents are sheltering in a sports arena, while others are with relatives. The Italian government declared a state of emergency for southern regions battered by the cyclone, which caused extensive damage across Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia.

Sicily alone faces an estimated €740 million in damages, with the national government allocating an initial €100 million to address immediate needs. The civil protection minister assured that further measures will be taken for reconstruction. The ongoing rainfall exacerbates the situation, complicating relief efforts and technical surveys.