Firefighters in Sicily have executed a daring rescue operation, saving approximately 400 rare books from a library perilously perched on the edge of a mudflow in Niscemi. This follows a catastrophic landslide in January that devastated the town, carving a massive 4km chasm and tearing away an entire slope.
Precarious Library on the Brink
The library now stands on the lip of the precipice created by the landslide, with part of the structure effectively hanging in mid-air. The recovery effort, which commenced on Monday, was preceded by an intensive study involving floor plans and interior photographs to meticulously map the positions of the valuable books.
Operation Like a 'Bank Heist'
Salvatore Cantale, the provincial commander of the fire brigade in Caltanissetta, likened the mission to pulling off a bank heist. He emphasised the need for speed and efficiency, stating that firefighters had to be quick and retrieve as much as possible during brief entry windows.
To access the books, firefighters drilled through the wall of an adjacent building. Entering for only minutes at a time, they strapped bookcases together and hauled them backwards to secure the volumes. The library houses around 4,000 books covering literature, history, and general nonfiction, including rare editions predating 1830 on Sicilian history and a precious 16th-century tome.
High-Tech Monitoring and Ongoing Risks
The operation utilised advanced technology, with a drone streaming live aerial footage to ground monitors. Laser sensors were fixed to the section overhanging the drop to detect even the slightest movements, while a separate device monitored vibrations and subtle shifts in the building's tilt.
The landslide began on 25 January, causing the ground to shift, cracking asphalt and tearing through buildings. Some structures later collapsed into the void, along with a road section where vehicles were parked. Over 1,600 residents have been evacuated from the area.
Remaining Volumes and Future Plans
Many books remain in the basement, deemed the most at-risk area. Officials are considering the use of robots for further recovery, though none are currently available in Niscemi. Cantale noted that if a suitable robot can be found, it will be deployed immediately; otherwise, they may have to wait.
He explained the structural danger, describing the building as a single reinforced-concrete structure that could collapse entirely at once. Geologists working alongside the firefighters anticipate the landslide's front may retreat by another 10 to 15 metres, potentially dragging more buildings, including the library, down the slope.
Potential for Easier Recovery After a Slide
Cantale revealed that geologists believe the library is more likely to slide downhill as a single block rather than crumble. If this occurs, it might actually facilitate the recovery of the remaining books once it has fallen, as assessments have already been made for such a scenario.
Cultural Appeal and Authorial Support
The rescue effort gained attention from Italy's literary community, with famous writers urging authorities to save the collection located in the 'black zone'. Stefania Auci, author of the bestselling novel The Florios of Sicily, expressed hope that public appeals played at least a small part in ensuring some ancient volumes were saved.
This operation highlights the intersection of emergency response, cultural preservation, and geological challenges in Sicily, showcasing the bravery and ingenuity of firefighters in safeguarding irreplaceable historical treasures.
