The municipality of Niscemi, in the province of Caltanissetta, is experiencing days of severe emergency due to two landslides close together which have compromised road connections and forced hundreds of people to leave their homes. The latest landslide occurred yesterday, Sunday 25 January, in the Sante Croci district, worsening an already critical situation after a previous landslide that occurred ten days earlier.
Precautionary evacuations and schools closed
As a precaution, the authorities ordered the evacuation of approximately 1000 residents from areas considered at risk. The displaced people were directed to temporary reception facilities, with the Pio La Torre sports hall identified as the main point for hospitality.
Mayor Massimiliano Conti defined the event as “dramatic” and decided to close the schools to ensure the safety of the students. At the same time, the municipal operations center was activated, which coordinates emergency interventions together with firefighters, law enforcement and specialized technicians.
Roads blocked and connections reduced to a minimum
The most immediate consequence of landslides concerns roads. Provincial road 10, which connects Niscemi to the Ponte Olivo area, was closed after the latest landslide. As early as January 16th, provincial road 12 was also closed due to another landslide. Both arteries guaranteed access to the Gela-Catania state road, fundamental for connections in the area.
At the moment, the only viable route remains provincial road 11, making the municipality partially isolated and increasing difficulties for residents, services and supplies. The authorities are constantly monitoring the situation to evaluate any further closures.
The cause: intense rains in an area already at risk
According to initial technical assessments, the landslide would have been favored by the heavy rains that have affected the area in recent weeks, in an already fragile context from a hydrogeological point of view. The affected area includes, in addition to Sante Croci, also the Belvedere, the stretch towards the Benefizio stream and the Pirillo district. It is not the first time that the area has recorded similar phenomena: the same slope had suffered a landslide 29 years ago, an element that reinforces concerns about the stability of the ground.
Around 70 Civil Protection volunteers arrived on site, while the head of the regional department Salvo Cocina announced direct monitoring of the situation in conjunction with the President of the Region Renato Schifani. Minister Nello Musumeci is also following the evolution of the emergency, ensuring the support of the national Department of Civil Protection, which has already sent a team of technicians. The immediate objective remains the safety of the population, assistance to displaced people and the restoration of road connections in the shortest possible time. In the meantime, the authorities invite citizens to be cautious and limit their travel.
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