The city of Niscemi on the Italian island of Sicily has been declared a disaster zone following a large-scale landslide that has devastated the region. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that dozens of homes, offices, and commercial properties in designated "red zones" have been destroyed after falling into massive ravines created by the shifting earth.
According to the latest reports, the number of people forced to flee the dangerous areas has exceeded 1,000, and this figure is expected to rise as the geological instability continues. The evacuation process has seen the neighborhoods of Sante Croci, Trappeto, and Via Popolo completely cleared. While some displaced families have sought refuge with relatives, others are being housed in temporary shelters established in local gymnasiums.
The disaster has effectively paralyzed the city's infrastructure. Three out of the four main roads connecting Niscemi to the outside world have been closed due to their proximity to the landslide zone. Currently, only the "SP11" road remains operational, while the vital Gela-Catania highway connection has been completely severed. During the night, a vertical ravine measuring 25 meters in depth opened up, and officials warn that the landslide line is advancing toward the city center.
Fabio Ciciliano, head of the National Civil Protection Department, warned that residents with homes on the landslide line will never be able to return to their properties. He noted that the continued operation of essential facilities, including hospitals and schools, is now in serious doubt.
Niscemi Mayor Massimiliano Conti emphasized that the situation continues to deteriorate, with the area being monitored continuously via drones. Sicily Governor Renato Schifani described the situation as extremely delicate, noting that investigations are being conducted under the supervision of national experts. Landslides are a recurring challenge in Italy's mountainous and geologically young regions, often exacerbated by heavy rainfall and soil erosion, requiring significant state intervention for long-term stabilization.
