Around 1,500 residents of the town of Niscemi in Sicily have been forced to abandon their homes after a massive landslide, caused by heavy rainfall brought by Cyclone Harry.
The powerful storm hit southern Italy last week, creating a 4-kilometer-long crack in a hillside that continues to widen and seriously threatens the city's historic center.
The mayor of Niscem, Massimiliano Conti, described the situation as "dramatic" and urged residents outside the danger zones to stay at home.
According to civil protection authorities, all houses within a radius of 50–70 meters are expected to collapse. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far, but the material damage is extensive.
Schools in the area have been closed, while a main road linking Niscem to the coastal town of Gela has been blocked. Hundreds of people are taking shelter in a local sports hall, while others have been moved to stay with family.
The Italian government has declared a state of emergency for the southern regions affected by the cyclone, making available an initial fund of 100 million euros. Total damages in Sicily are estimated at around 740 million euros, but the figure could double.