Massive landslide in Niscemi, Sicily: 1,000 evacuated as town teeters on cliff edge after Cyclone Harry

A devastating case of subsidence in Niscemi, Sicily, provoked by Cyclone Harry and days of heavy rainfall, has left an entire neighbourhood perilously teetering on the edge of a deep ravine, and has forced the urgent evacuation of approximately 1,000 residents. Dramatic images of homes and buildings hanging precariously on the brink of falling have shocked Italy, all caused by the severe impact of the ongoing severe weather across southern regions.

4-kilometre-long landslide widens, threatening more damage

The landslide, which began in the Santa Croci, Trappeto, and Via Popolo neighbourhoods, has created a front at least four kilometres long and is continuing to expand.

“We have a landslide front of at least four kilometres long, and it is widening,” stated Niscemi Mayor Massimiliano Conti, according to local media reports. He warned that a “red zone” will be established, where affected families will not be allowed to return to their homes due to the ongoing risk.

Authorities describe the situation as critical, with the potential for further worsening in the coming hours. No deaths or injuries have been reported so far, but major access roads remain closed, and schools have been suspended.

300 families displaced during emergency response

Around 300 families, which equates to roughly 1,000 people, have been relocated to alternative housing and a local sports centre. Emergency services are coordinating efforts to provide immediate support, while the area faces isolation risks as key roads are blocked or damaged.

The event is similar to another landslide in the region 29 years ago, which damaged dozens of buildings, displaced 117 families, and turned a once-thriving neighbourhood into a struggling suburb.

Sicily hit hard by Storm Harry: State of emergency declared

Sicily is among the hardest-hit areas by Storm Harry, a powerful low-pressure system that has battered southern Italy. The storm has caused road closures, flooding, and multiple landslides across the island and neighbouring regions.

The Italian government held an emergency cabinet meeting on January 26 to declare a state of emergency in Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia, the regions most severely affected by the recent extreme weather.

Sicilian Regional President Renato Schifano expressed the need for rapid action in a video statement, stressing “speed” and “immediate responses” in line with the law for those impacted by the tragedy. He confirmed his attendance at the Rome cabinet meeting to finalise the emergency declaration and coordinate aid.

This Niscemi landslide reveals the growing vulnerability of southern Italy to extreme weather events, with experts warning of further risks as the storm’s effects linger.

Cyclone Harry batters Southern Italy with massive waves and torrential rains