Italy’s scenic Amalfi Coast was partially cut in two after a landslide blocked the main coastal road during an intense spell of heavy rain on Wednesday.
In the early evening at Maiori (Salerno province), torrential rains triggered the collapse of large chunks of stone and earth from a private retaining wall above the Statale 163 “Amalfitana”. The material spilled onto the roadway, forcing authorities to close the road completely in both directions between kilometres 36.300 and 36.400.
The closure has effectively severed the principal road link along the coast, disrupting local traffic and affecting commuters and tourists. Police and transport officials have set up a filtration point at Cetara to redirect vehicles, and drivers are being advised to use the Valico di Chiunzi pass as an alternate route.
Regional transport operator Sita Sud has increased bus services between key points including Salerno, Cetara and Amalfi via the Tramonti route to mitigate delays. Teams from ANAS and emergency services are clearing debris and assessing the stability of the hillside.
The incident comes amid a stretch of extreme weather across Italy. Flights to Albania were diverted to Brindisi due to adverse conditions, while schools in Trieste were closed and a yellow ice alert expanded across Tuscany.
Local officials have not reported serious injuries from the landslide, but the road closure is expected to remain in place until safety assessments and clearance work are completed.
