# Sicily declares state of emergency after tornadoes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tornado-strikes-western-sicily > Updated: 2026-10-19T18:14:42.000Z. Sources: 98. Developments: 6. Following the devastating double tornado that struck western Sicily on October 9, the Sicilian regional government has declared a 12-month state of emergency for the municipalities of Marsala and Petrosino. Announced by President Renato Schifani, the declaration is intended to facilitate resources for restoring essential infrastructure and supporting local businesses. Total damage estimates have reached approximately 20 million euros, divided between 10.4 million euros in Marsala and 9.3 million euros in Petrosino. To address immediate needs, approximately 3 million euros have been allocated for urgent interventions, such as clearing road debris, repairing electrical lines, and securing public buildings, including schools and sports facilities. Salvo Cocina, the general manager of regional Civil Protection, has been appointed as the extraordinary commissioner to oversee the emergency response efforts. In Petrosino, municipal administration assessments estimate damages at approximately 10 million euros. Mayor Giacomo Anastasi described the state of emergency declaration as a “fundamental first step” to support the community, while emphasizing the urgent need for resources to assist families and secure the territory. Authorities are currently establishing procedures to quantify economic losses for private citizens and businesses, with specific methods for submitting compensation claims expected to be communicated through official channels once finalized. ## Claims - Eleven people were injured during the event, including six children. (disputed by 15 sources) - The Alcide De Gasperi school in the Terrenove district of Marsala sustained heavy damage, including broken windows and a partially collapsed ceiling. (disputed by 5 sources) - Ten people presented at the Marsala emergency room following the event. (disputed by 3 sources) - The Alcide De Gasperi school in Terrenove was destroyed. (disputed) - The tornado caused widespread damage to homes, vehicles, and agricultural structures in Marsala, Petrosino, and Mazara del Vallo. (corroborated by 22 sources) - The tornado originated from two waterspouts near the port of Marsala. (corroborated by 17 sources) - The tornado caused a vehicle to fall into a ravine near Petrosino, injuring two people. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Salvatore Cocina described the tornado as being similar in strength to those seen in the United States. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The extreme weather event is linked to the climate crisis and accumulated sea heat. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The Via Nazionale road was closed and railway services were interrupted. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Petrosino declared in state of emergency after tornado causes 10 million euros in damage Sicily has declared a state of emergency for Petrosino after a tornado caused an estimated 10 million euros in damages to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/petrosino-declared-in-state-of-emergency-after-tornado-causes-10-million-euros-in-damage ### 2026-10-16: Sicily declares state of emergency in Marsala and Petrosino after tornadoes Sicily has declared a 12-month state of emergency for Marsala and Petrosino after tornadoes caused an estimated 20 million euros in damages. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-declares-state-of-emergency-in-marsala-and-petrosino-after-tornadoes ### 2026-10-13: Sicily faces extensive damage from extreme weather events Extreme weather, including tornadoes and heavy rains, has caused extensive damage across Sicily, with recovery costs in Marsala and Petrosino estimated at nearly 20 million euros. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-faces-extensive-damage-from-extreme-weather-events ### 2026-10-13: Sicily manages education reforms and tornado recovery efforts Sicily faces dual developments: a regional education summit reporting declining dropout rates and emergency recovery efforts in Marsala following devastating tornadoes that damaged schools and displaced homes. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-tornadoes-cause-heavy-damage-in-marsala-and-petrosino-1 ### 2026-10-09: Marsala whirlwind damages school and flips vehicle A whirlwind in Marsala, Italy, caused damage to a local school and overturned a vehicle, though no injuries were reported among the family members involved. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marsala-whirlwind-damages-school-and-flips-vehicle ### 2026-10-09: Sicily tornadoes cause widespread damage and injuries in Marsala Twin tornadoes struck western Sicily, injuring at least 11 people and causing extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and a school in Marsala and Petrosino. Local officials are requesting a state of emergency. 77 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-tornado-causes-extensive-damage-and-injuries-in-marsala --- Cite as: Sicily declares state of emergency after tornadoes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tornado-strikes-western-sicily