Southern Italy continues to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Harry, as landslides and severe weather prompt evacuations and disrupt infrastructure across multiple regions. In Sicily, approximately one thousand residents have been displaced in Niscemi due to landslide threats, while in Liguria, a major landslide has shut down a key highway near Genoa. The Italian Council of Ministers is scheduled to convene today to address the escalating emergency and coordinate relief efforts following the widespread damage.
A rockslide occurred in Arenzano, prompting a search by canine units to ensure no one was injured. Today, the Council of Ministers will address the severe weather in Sicily following damage from Cyclone Harry.
Approximately one thousand people have been evacuated in Niscemi, Sicily, as a landslide threatens homes in the area. Residents spent the night in a gymnasium and other shelters, anxiously monitoring the situation. A cabinet meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. local time to address the state of emergency in southern Italy and the damage caused by Cyclone Harry. “This is another serious blow, a dramatic moment. We are all deeply affected, but we will react,” said Niscemi Mayor Massimiliano Conti. The area had already been partially isolated in recent weeks due to a separate landslide. At the direction of Salvo Cocina, Director General of the Regional Department of Civil Protection, hundreds of cots have been transferred from Palermo to set up shelters for those displaced. Governor Schifani is in contact with Cocina and stated on social media: “The Region is ready to do everything possible to ensure the safety of citizens, provide assistance to those evacuated – many as a precaution – and restore road connections as soon as possible.”
In Liguria, a significant landslide blocked the Aurelia highway near Genoa, between Vesima and Arenzano, before the Pizzo tunnel on Sunday evening. Firefighters, Anas personnel, the Genoa local police, and Arenzano Mayor Francesco Silvestrini responded to the scene. A canine unit was requested to search for potential victims. Preliminary reports indicate a rock face collapsed in an area prone to landslides, including one in 2016 that injured two people. The highway is currently closed, and traffic is being diverted to the autostrada.
