Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the Sicilian town of Niscemi after a massive landslide triggered by days of heavy rain destroyed homes and forced more than 1,500 residents to evacuate.

The landslide stretched about four kilometers, prompting authorities to create a wide no-go zone as the ground remains dangerously unstable.

Civil protection officials warned that many homes near the edge can no longer be inhabited and residents may need permanent relocation.

The area’s sandy and clay-rich terrain has worsened the damage, with cars and buildings swept downhill and others left precariously standing, the DW has reported.

The government has declared a state of emergency and allocated €100 million, though total damages are estimated to reach up to €2 billion, sparking renewed debate over building in high-risk zones.