landslide-sicilian-homes-teetering-cliff-edge-rcna256326″ title=”Huge … leaves Sicilian homes teetering on cliff edge as 1,500 …”>Niscemi (Caltanissetta), 29 January 2026 – Francesco Luigi Emanuele Cirrone, 42 years old, in addition to being president of the Niscemi Pro Loco, is also one of the displaced, one of those who lost their home. What is your mood today?
“Gloomy. There is always hope, even if we are aware that the situation is serious and that, more than a hope, ours is an illusion.”
What image do you have before your eyes when you wander around Niscemi?
“A scene from the end of the world. In the common imagination it is difficult to think that something like this could happen. And instead it happened, and we realize it as the days go by.”
Luigi Emanuele Cirrone, 42 years old, displaced
Had there been any signs over the years? Cracks in buildings, roads opening up?
“Yes, there have been some signs. This is an area that has given warnings over time. But today is not the time to look for blame.”
So does he distance himself from the anger of his fellow villagers?
“The anger is there, I share it, but this is not the time to explode. Now we have to face everything with clarity. Now we have to shake hands, stay united and overcome this moment.”
There are those who protested against the Region, talking about billions allocated for the security of the territory and askingor where those funds went.
“We are reconstructing step by step the process of financing, projects and works that were not carried out. It is important to have a precise history in front of us for when we are called to clarify things. It is right that we talk about it, it is right that the newspapers do so too, but without blaming the citizens, making them look like squatters or, even worse, as profiteers”.
What is it referring to?
“To some articles that insinuate: “But what do they want? These are cardboard houses, costing 25 thousand euros, built on clay. This hurt us a lot, it created indignation.”
A car remained balanced on the edge of the area affected by the landslide in Niscemi
Is it wrong to argue that they were homes of little value?
“It is scandalous to say that they are worthless houses. Whether they cost 25 thousand, 50 thousand or 200 thousand euros, they are hard-earned money. Here, a historic center is collapsing with homes that have existed since the beginning of the twentieth century, some of which are even historic.”
What was the house you had to abandon like?
“Mine is a historic house, which belonged to Raffaele Guariglia, who was ambassador to Spain and Ethiopia and then minister in the first Badoglio government, because he was considered among the least compromised with fascism”.
Is he in danger today?
“Yes, because it is located on the edge of the ridge. I have already lost about 10-15 square meters of garden, which have collapsed. There are houses in worse conditions, but this does not console me.”
The head of Civil Protection Ciciliano says you will never return to your homes. Are you getting used to this idea?
“We’re starting to become aware of it, it’s not easy. At the moment anxiety and worry prevail, the mind is occupied by a thousand other thoughts.”
Where are you and your family staying now?
“My elderly parents are hosted in a retirement home. I make do: I have a small house in the countryside. I’m single, so it’s easier for me. Many, however, are housed in the sports hall. I must say that Sicily is showing its best side: a great solidarity competition between friends and relatives has started in Niscemi.”
Learn more:
Niscemi, the Civil Protection alarm: “The entire hill is collapsing”. Funds for displaced people, up to 900 euros per month per family
In 1997 the compensation arrived, but after 14 years. Do you hope that this time the timing will be different?
“I hope so. Today the attention is there, let’s hope the lights don’t go out tomorrow.”
Many have complained about politicians’ catwalks.
“The catwalk itself doesn’t shock me. But I expect that whoever comes here today, and puts their face to it, tomorrow won’t forget the promises made in Niscemi.”
