2009 Messina floods and mudslides
The 2009 Messina floods and mudslides occurred in Sicily on the night of 1–2 October, mainly along the Ionian coast in the Province of Messina. They also affected other parts of northeastern Sicily and killed a total of at least 31 people, some of whom were swept out to sea. More than 400 people were left homeless, as many houses collapsed.
Giampilieri after the mudslide | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1–2 October 2009 |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | At least 31 deaths 6 missing |
| Injuries | 95 |
| Areas affected | Messina (Giampilieri Superiore, Altolia, Briga Superiore and Molino) Scaletta Zanclea |
The places which suffered the most damage were Giampilieri Superiore, a small frazione 10 km (6 miles) south of the city of Messina, which was buried in mud; the comune of Scaletta Zanclea and the two frazione of Altolia, Briga Superiore.
To avoid casualties, when the Messina region received heavy rains in February 2010, the government evacuated one-third of the population most at risk. A mudslide caused property damage, but no casualties.