On Jan. 25, Storm Harry triggered a major landslide that collapsed roughly a 2.5-mile stretch of cliff in Niscemi, Sicily, leaving homes and cars hanging on the new chasm. About 1,500 people have been evacuated from the town of roughly 25,000, and no injuries have been reported so far. Officials warn the gap is widening and say homes within 50–70 metres are at risk; emergency crews are monitoring the site around the clock as rain complicates surveys and relief efforts.
Harrowing Landslide Leaves Niscemi Teetering on Cliff Edge After Storm Harry
Car hanging from cliff in Niscemi, ItalyFabrizio Villa/Getty
On Jan. 25, the hilltop town of Niscemi in southern Sicily was left dangerously perched at the edge of a newly formed chasm after heavy winds and intense rain from Storm Harry triggered a major landslide.
Authorities say roughly a 2.5-mile (about 4 km) stretch of cliff collapsed, leaving houses and vehicles perilously close to the drop-off. Video released by PEOPLE shows rows of homes on the fractured rim, with at least one car sitting half over the void as saturated soil crumbles beneath it.
Although officials reported no injuries, about 1,500 residents have been evacuated from the town of roughly 25,000 as the gap continues to widen and fears grow that the historic center could be consumed by the sinkhole.
Landslide in Niscemi, ItalyMarco Bertorello/AFP via Getty
"I don’t want anyone to take this event lightly," Niscemi Mayor Massimiliano Conti said in a social video. "There’s no denying it — we’re scared."
Salvatore Cocina, director-general of Sicily’s civil protection authority, warned that all homes within a 50–70 metre radius of the chasm could collapse. As of Jan. 27, schools in Niscemi remained closed while emergency teams and engineers conduct technical surveys and monitor ground movement.
Local resident Sergio Francesco Cirrone told reporters his home split in two and now hangs at the cliff edge; he and his family evacuated immediately after cracks appeared in their walls. Authorities say ongoing rain and persistent creaking noises from the slope are complicating relief efforts and slowing stability assessments.
Response and Next Steps
Municipal officials are coordinating evacuations, damage assessments and 24/7 monitoring with regional civil protection teams. Emergency crews are prioritizing public safety, securing at-risk zones, and arranging temporary shelter for displaced residents while geotechnical experts evaluate the slope.
Residents are urged to follow official guidance, avoid the affected area, and remain ready to evacuate if conditions worsen. Authorities continue to update the public as surveys progress and weather conditions evolve.
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