Landslide in Sicily: Life on the edge
Numerous residential buildings are at risk of collapse after severe storms and heavy rainfall caused the ground to give way in Niscemi on the Italian island of Sicily.
On the edge of the abyss
The town of Niscemi on Sicily literallysits at the edge of an abyss. Heavy rainfall has caused a massive landslide. A 4-kilometer-long (2.5 miles) break line runs along densely built-up residential areas, and the saturated soil continues to sink. "The landslide is fully active and the situation is critical," warns Fabio Ciciliano, head of the Italian Civil Protection Agency.
Thousands of evacuations
Around 1,500 people had to leave their homes. The government in Rome declared a state of emergency for the affected region and imposed a restricted zone along the cliff. Some residents had only a few minutes to evacuate, and it is uncertain when they will be able to return. The authorities estimate that the damage will run into billions.
Alarm bell for Niscemi
Niscemi, with its approximately 25,000 inhabitants, stands on sandstone and clay soil ― an unstable mixture. Thirty years ago, residents experienced a severe landslide. Geologist Giuseppe Amato sees the current disaster as a warning sign. Sicily is a hotspot for climate change, and the expert said this called for a response.
'The time for sleepwalking is over'
Cracks are also appearing in the countryside outside the densely populated residential areas. Residents report that the land "simply dropped away" on Sunday. Unstable houses are not uncommon in Niscemi, says Rosario Cona, a farm worker in the region. He would like to see a more responsible approach to the problems: "The time for sleepwalking is over."
Civil protection warns of further collapses
So far, the residents of Niscemi have gotten off lightly, with no deaths or injuries reported. Authorities are monitoring the movement of the landslide using drones and satellite images. According to Luigi D'Angelo, head of the civil protection agency, there is a risk that "another 20 meters could fall" if there is further rainfall.
Assistance available at the gym
In a gymnasium, cots are available for those affected, and helpers are distributing food and drinks. A mobile kitchen is preparing hot meals. Houses and entire residential areas built on unstable ground are a major problem in Italy. According to the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), more than a million Italians live in areas at extreme risk of landslides.
Niscemi's future is uncertain
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni flies over the rugged crevices and cliffs of Niscemi in a helicopter. She promised those affected rapid assistance. As the landslide is still moving, it remains to be seen how many people would be permanently displaced, the head of government told local officials.