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Lovers' Arch at Sant'Andrea Collapses After Cyclone Oriana Storms

Melendugno's mayor is urging a coastwide plan to secure the eroding shoreline.

Overview

  • The collapse was discovered at dawn on February 15 after a night of severe weather linked to Cyclone Oriana.
  • Initial reports attribute the failure to heavy rain, strong waves and wind acting on long‑eroded, friable limestone.
  • Mayor Maurizio Cisternino called the loss a huge blow for the area's image and visitor economy.
  • He appealed for resources to fund a coordinated project to make the entire coast safer.
  • No official geotechnical assessment has been cited in the coverage to date.