Devastating Landslide Strikes Niscemi, Sicily Following Cyclone Harry
Devastating Landslide Strikes Niscemi, Sicily Following Cyclone Harry
US · Published Feb 9, 2026
A landslide triggered by Cyclone Harry has devastated Niscemi, Sicily, forcing the evacuation of over 1,600 residents.
The disaster highlights the climate emergency in the Mediterranean and the risks associated with flawed urban planning on unstable slopes.
Extensive infrastructure damage and the ongoing threat of collapse have led authorities to establish a red zone, restricting access to the most affected areas.
Landslide in Niscemi, Sicily, causes widespread damage
The town of Niscemi in Sicily has been severely impacted by a landslide triggered by Cyclone Harry. On January 25, torrential rains led to the collapse of a 25-meter slope, creating a 4-kilometer-long chasm. This disaster has resulted in the evacuation of over 1,600 residents, with many homes and historic buildings at risk of further collapse. The landslide is a stark reminder of the climate emergency affecting the Mediterranean, exacerbated by decades of flawed urban planning. The town's infrastructure, including roads and vehicles, continues to deteriorate as the unstable ground gives way. Authorities have designated a red zone, restricting access due to the ongoing risk of collapse. The landslide has highlighted the vulnerability of areas built on unstable slopes, a consequence of rapid urbanization and inadequate planning policies.
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