Niscemi (CL), Italy – A complex rescue operation ended successfully after a landslide that struck four days earlier left 20 animals isolated below the slide area.

Firefighters worked to recover and safely lead away 15 horses, three donkeys, and two dogs that had become trapped about 150 meters from the landslide’s movement front.

To reach the animals, crews were forced to construct a two-kilometer access path, overcoming elevation differences of more than 10 meters caused by accumulated displaced earth.

The route was cleared and secured using chainsaws, shovels, and pickaxes to remove debris and obstacles along the way.

To protect both the animals and their handlers at the most dangerous points, firefighters installed safety lifelines, allowing controlled and secure movement across the entire path.

Meanwhile, recovery operations are continuing to retrieve belongings from buildings that were evacuated following the landslide.

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