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Over 1 000 evacuated after large coastal landslide in Sicily as Storm Harry damage exceeds USD 1 billion

ByRishav Kothari

More than 1 000 people were evacuated in Niscemi, Sicily, on January 25, 2026, after a large landslide eroded away parts of a cliff. The event follows the devastating impact of Storm Harry, which caused over $1 billion in damage across Sicily between January 20 and 21.

Over 1 000 people were evacuated in Niscemi, Sicily, after a 4 km (2.5 miles) section of cliff crumbled, leaving homes on the verge of falling off on January 25 in Niscemi. Another landslide was reported in Liguria, causing a road closure.

The landslides were the result of Storm Harry, which battered the region last week with severe storm surges and heavy rainfall, leaving significant damage.

Harry moved across the central Mediterranean on January 20–21, striking Sicily and southern Italy with rainfall totals exceeding 200 mm (8 inches) and hurricane-force winds.

The storm developed between Algeria and Tunisia before intensifying over the Ionian Sea, producing a powerful southerly flow toward Italy’s southern coasts.

Severe storm surges of 12–16 m (39–52 feet) damaged ports, roads, and beachfront infrastructure along Sicily’s Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts. Coastal towns, including Taormina, Giardini Naxos, and Acireale, sustained heavy losses as floodwaters inundated businesses and residences.

Power outages and transport disruptions affected tens of thousands of residents, with rail services suspended on several lines, including Messina–Syracuse. Air traffic was temporarily halted at Catania and Palermo airports due to low visibility and flooded runways.

Regional officials estimate that public infrastructure losses in Sicily alone amount to approximately EUR 740 million (USD 805 million), while overall economic damage is likely to exceed EUR 1 billion (USD 1.1 billion) once losses to hotels and other tourism-related businesses are accounted for.

Coastal erosion and damage to beach infrastructure are expected to significantly affect the upcoming tourist season. In Calabria and Sardinia, additional losses are still being assessed.

The Italian fire service conducted 1 650 emergency interventions across the region during the storm. 1 013 interventions were conducted in Sicily, 360 in Sardinia, and 293 in Calabria between January 19 and 21. Despite the widespread damage, authorities confirmed no deaths, crediting the region’s warning systems and timely evacuations.

The mayor of Taormina, Mario Bolognari, called for immediate state and European support to restore critical infrastructure and protect the tourism-based local economy.

The Sicilian regional government has allocated EUR 70 million (USD 76 million) for initial repairs and requested national disaster aid and activation of the EU Solidarity Fund. The Italian Cabinet is reviewing the formal state of emergency declaration for the southern regions.

Economic recovery and infrastructure reconstruction in Sicily are expected to take months, with long-term planning to include enhanced coastal defenses and drainage systems.

Feature image credit: Vigili del Fuoco

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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