In a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by natural disasters, about 300 residents of Cataeggio in Val Masino, Sondrio, were evacuated on March 22, 2025, due to alarming movements detected in the Scaiun landslide. This landslide has historically loomed over the village, raising concerns for decades.
The immediate action came after monitoring equipment reported shifts exceeding the critical threshold that triggers an evacuation. As the storm systems delivered relentless rainfall, the mayor of Val Masino, Pietro Taeggi, alongside emergency management officials, declared an emergency and activated the Coordination Center for Relief Operations.
Residents received the evacuation alert around 11:30 am on March 22, prompting swift responses. By lunchtime, approximately 120 evacuees found shelter in nearby hotels, while others stayed with family or friends. Some evacuees reported harrowing experiences as homes were left behind amid anxious preparations to leave.
Among them was Giulio Songini, a long-time resident of Cataeggio, who expressed his reluctance to vacate his home. He shared, "I did not want to leave my house, but the authorities imposed the evacuation due to a looming threat. Despite my hesitations, I complied and packed my bags before noon. Unfortunately, I forgot my medications and had to request special permission to return home. It wasn't easy," he recalled.
As the evacuations unfolded, the movement of the landslide was monitored closely, with experts measuring a displacement speed of up to 8 millimeters. This figure was alarming, as it significantly exceeded the 3 millimeters that typically necessitate immediate action. According to the environmental monitoring agency ARPA, such movements had not only become frequent but also intensified over recent days, raising red flags about the stability of the hillside.
The ongoing emergency led to the closure of Provinciale 9, the primary route leading into the area, in order to ensure safety and maintain control over the evacuation process. An alternate route was established for tourists seeking to exit the region and prevent them from becoming stranded as operations unfolded.
"The situation remains precarious, and our focus must remain on keeping residents safe and informed. We are in this together, and local authorities, volunteers from Civil Protection, and those from the Fire Department will continue to assist wherever they can," said Anna Pavone, the Prefect of Sondrio.
As updates unfold, schools in Val Masino have been closed for Monday, March 24, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the situation. Parents and children alike are left to navigate the repercussions of natural hazards that threaten their daily lives.
Residents have shared collective feelings of anxiety and fear as the landscape of Val Masino morphs under the weight of geological instability. The Priority remains on preparing for potential relocations and ensuring that each individual and family is aware of their options for safety and well-being.
Throughout the weekend, various emergency service units remained on high alert in the region, ready to respond should conditions worsen. The persistence of rain has further compounded these risks, and local officials are working around the clock to assess the needs of the evacuees.
The historical context of the Scaiun landslide looms large in the memory of the residents, some of whom have seen this unfolding danger regress and resurge across the years. With ongoing talks of enhancing infrastructure against such impending disasters, the palpable sense of community resilience is evident as neighbors come together during this poignant time.
Authorities are hopeful that conditions will stabilize soon, allowing evacuees to return home. However, this incident serves as an enduring reminder of the challenges faced by those living in geologically vulnerable areas, and the continuing need for vigilance, preparedness, and prompt action in the face of nature's unpredictability.
As the situation develops, communication and transparency from local government and emergency services remain critical for the well-being of the affected community. Residents in Cataeggio now brace themselves as the clouds linger overhead, gathering for another day of uncertainty and cautious hope.
