The Italian government has announced the suspension of mortgage repayments and other financial obligations for residents of Niscemi, the Sicilian town hit by a major landslide. The measure was confirmed by Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci, who said discussions are also under way to introduce social safety nets for businesses forced to halt operations.

The situation remains serious. According to Musumeci, the landslide front is continuing to move towards the town centre, making an expansion of the red zone unavoidable. A team of experts has been appointed to study the phenomenon and assess whether the instability could worsen over the coming years.

The minister stressed the need to provide safe and dignified housing solutions for families forced to leave their homes, many of whom may never be able to return. Local authorities have been asked to identify alternative areas for new housing developments, with the state ready to step in.

Musumeci also announced plans to propose an administrative inquiry into why no preventive measures were taken after a similar landslide in 1997. The investigation would aim to clarify whether the risk was underestimated over the past three decades.

At the European level, Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto confirmed the EU’s readiness to support regions affected by extreme weather events, while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy would apply for assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund. Meanwhile, controversy has emerged over the absence of Niscemi from Sicily’s EU-funded hydrogeological risk projects, despite the area being identified as vulnerable for years.