Niscemi, Sicily: Hillside Collapse Triggers Mass Evacuation After Storm Harry

A significant section of hillside in Niscemi, Sicily, collapsed following heavy rains and winds from Storm/Cyclone Harry, leading to the evacuation of over 1,500 residents. The landslide, which began activity on Sunday, has extended approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and continues to shift. The Italian government declared a state of emergency for affected southern regions, allocating initial funds for relief and reconstruction efforts. No deaths or injuries have been reported.

Over 1,500 residents were evacuated from Niscemi as a 4-kilometer section of hillside collapsed following Storm/Cyclone Harry.

Landslide Details and Ongoing Shift

A 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) section of hillside in the hilltop town of Niscemi, located in southwestern Sicily, collapsed last week. The incident was triggered by heavy rains and winds associated with Storm/Cyclone Harry. The landslide initially occurred on Sunday, with parts of the cliff continuing to crumble into Monday.

Aerial footage and observations indicate that multiple buildings and vehicles have sustained damage, with some structures and vehicles falling an estimated 20 meters (yards) from a newly formed cliff. Other homes remain in proximity to the shifting edge. Civil protection chief Fabio Ciciliano stated that the entire hill was collapsing onto the plain of Gela. Geological surveys are currently underway to assess the area.

Evacuations and Community Impact

In response to the ongoing ground movement and instability, authorities evacuated over 1,500 residents from their homes in Niscemi. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on the town's historic center. Massimiliano Conti, the mayor of Niscemi, reported no deaths or injuries in connection with the event, though damage to homes has occurred.

Salvatore Cocina, director general of Sicily’s civil protection authority, indicated on Monday night that all homes within a 50-70 meter radius of the landslide are expected to collapse.

Schools in Niscemi were closed on Tuesday, and the road connecting the town to Gela was shut down. Many of the evacuated individuals, from a town with a population of about 25,000, are staying with relatives, while hundreds sought shelter in a local sports arena. Mayor Conti reported on Tuesday morning that the landslide had advanced an additional 10 meters, noting that continued movement and rain were impeding relief efforts and technical assessments, potentially isolating the town. Civil protection crews established a 150-meter wide "no go zone," and authorities advised residents against returning to the area due to continued ground shifting. Permanent relocation for families whose homes are situated on the landslide's edge has been identified as a necessity.

Government Declares Emergency, Allocates Aid

The Italian government declared a state of emergency on Monday for southern regions affected by Cyclone Harry, including Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia. Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Niscemi on Wednesday, conducting a helicopter tour of the affected area and meeting with local, regional, and civil protection officials.

The storm caused extensive damage across these regions, including to roads, coastal defenses, and beach resorts. The total estimated cost of the damage across the affected regions exceeds €1 billion. Sicily's regional officials estimated the total damage to the island alone at €2 billion. An earlier assessment from Sicily’s civil protection authority indicated approximately €740 million, with the island's president Renato Schifani suggesting the final amount could be higher.

The government initially allocated €100 million ($120 million) to address immediate needs across the affected southern regions. Premier Meloni affirmed that this initial funding was a preliminary step, with further assistance planned. Her office released a statement confirming the government's commitment to assisting residents with alternative housing and restoring road access, utilities, and school services. The statement also noted the challenge of identifying the exact area for intervention while the landslide remained active.

Geological Vulnerability and Historical Precedent

Geologists reported that Niscemi was constructed on a hill composed of sand and clay layers. These layers become highly permeable during heavy rainfall, contributing to ground instability. This geological composition has led to prior ground shifts in the area, including a significant landslide in 1997 that necessitated the evacuation of 400 people. Giovanna Pappalardo, a professor of applied geology at the University of Catania, indicated that the current landslide exhibits more significant characteristics compared to previous events, with its front directly affecting houses along the slope.

Political Debate on Development

The recent landslide has initiated political discussion regarding the allowance of construction on geologically high-risk land. Renato Schifani, the center-right regional president of Sicily, acknowledged the validity of these questions while emphasizing the immediate need for an institutional response to assist affected residents. Elly Schlein, leader of the opposition center-left Democratic Party, proposed reallocating €1 billion designated for a bridge connecting Sicily to the Italian mainland toward storm-affected regions, citing the bridge project's ongoing legal challenges.