In Niscemi, where a severe landslide is still unfolding, authorities have ordered the suspension of mortgage payments and all other financial obligations. The announcement was made by Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci as the situation continues to deteriorate, showing no signs of stabilization.

Fabio Ciciliano, head of the Civil Protection Department, described the disaster as exceptional in scale, comparing it to the 1963 Vajont tragedy. Speaking to SkyTG24, Ciciliano said the landslide involves an estimated 350 million cubic meters of material, far exceeding the 263 million cubic meters displaced at Vajont.

The landslide remains active, with the safety perimeter steadily moving closer to the town center. So far, 1,276 residents—around 500 families—have been evacuated. According to Ciciliano, many will never be able to return home, as their houses will either be destroyed or deemed permanently uninhabitable.