Rome, Jan 28 (V7N)- Sicily, the Mediterranean island famously depicted in Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, has been struck by a major landslide following days of heavy rainfall, forcing the evacuation of around 1,500 residents.

The landslide occurred in the town of Nissemi, where continuous rain triggered by Cyclone Harry softened the soil on mountain slopes. Days after the storm, large sections of land collapsed, affecting an area stretching nearly four kilometers.

Although drone footage of the scene appears visually striking, the disaster has caused severe hardship for local residents. Many families have lost their homes and are now living in uncertainty. Some locals recalled a similar landslide that struck the area nearly 30 years ago.

Authorities warned that the danger is far from over. The local administration said soil movement is still ongoing, prompting precautionary evacuations from high-risk zones.

Fabio Ciciliano, head of Italy’s Civil Protection Department, said the situation remains critical.

 “One thing is certain—the landslide has not stopped yet. I personally recorded the movement on my mobile phone. The situation is very serious,” he said.

In response to the worsening conditions, the Italian government has declared a state of emergency in Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria, allowing authorities to mobilize resources more rapidly to deal with the crisis.

Emergency services are continuing monitoring operations, while residents have been advised to stay away from affected areas as further landslides remain possible.

END/SMA/AJ