GENOA - A landslide in a cemetery in Camogli has caused around 200 coffins to fall into the sea, as well as causing the collapse of two chapels.

  The Rapallo fire department were immediately called to the scene after a rock face on the Via Aurelia, running along the coast, collapsed. The rescue services attempted to secure the rest of the cemetery that was balanced on the edge of the cliff, and rescue those coffins that were trapped on the rocks, while a group of divers attempted to save the coffins that had fallen into the water.

  The NBCR (nuclear, biological, chemical, radiological) department were also on site to prevent any biological risk.

  The landslide was a result of erosion of the cliff under the cemetery, aggravated by the storm surges that have hit Liguria in recent years. 

  Tino Revello, a local councillor in Camogli, explained to ANSA that the area had been under observation for a while and works were being done to consolidate the cliffs. He said, “the area was even cordoned off because in the last few days we have heard some strange creaking.”

  No one was harmed.

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