Tragedy strikes Italy as the country faces casualties, injuries and severe damages due to a landslide on its resort island of Ischia as of Saturday, November 26th.

The landslide initially began because of heavy rainfall that impacted the northern region of the volcanic island approximately 18 miles away from Naples, Italy. 

As a result of approximately five inches of rain falling in the span of six hours, the landslide happened quickly and made it difficult to respond quickly. This rainfall was the most the island has experienced in twenty years.

Many buildings collapsed and the forceful damage pushed vehicles into bodies of water.

Italy quickly released search teams on Sunday to provide assistance to all victims of the disaster, including first aid responders that helped individuals in the area quickly evacuate. These responders noted that sediments and water were preventing efficient movement on Ischia following the disaster.

To respond, the nation also discharged dive teams to aid those who may be stuck because of the water or in the vehicles that landed in the sea. Road conditions remain unstable as rescue workers continue to clear the debris out with bulldozers and other equipment.

With more than 90% of the country at major risk for natural disasters, especially landslides, the tragedy continues to raise questions as to how Italy can better improve the safety of its terrain for its people. 

A significant portion of the buildings that collapsed were previously granted illegal permits to be built despite increasing the severity of natural disasters such as this one. Many of the town’s inhabitants expressed their frustration with the nation’s officials for not taking action sooner in order to make the area safer for its residents. 

The government is now allocating approximately four million dollars to remedy the damages inflicted by the disaster.

As of now, officials have confirmed a total of eight deaths resulting from the landslide’s impacts, with the youngest being a 3-week-old infant. Many civilians are missing as the recovery efforts continue.