Overview
- The fallen arch, part of the Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea near Melendugno, gave way after days of pounding surf from a series of winter storms.
- No injuries were reported because the collapse occurred on a quiet winter evening rather than during peak tourist season.
- Authorities had noted cracks in the surrounding rock before the holiday weekend, and geologists warn nearby cliffs could face similar failures.
- Melendugno’s mayor says a roughly $5.3 million coastal-protection plan submitted by the town has not progressed due to lack of funding.
- Regional leaders and scientists cite hotter Mediterranean waters driving stronger storms, with erosion affecting about half of Puglia’s coastline and storm damage in southern Italy exceeding $1.2 billion this year.