We expect the ground under our feet to stay in one place. We like terra firma – and as Larry Fine said, “the more firma, the less terra.”

Earthquakes and landslides defy that expectation, and as a result can be some of the most disturbing experiences.

On February 15, 2010, after a long period of heavy rains, a hillside in Maierato, Calabria, Italy simply let go, and gracefully slid into the valley below. It looked more like a river than a solid land mass.

The Italian news outlet had this to say about the event:

“A mass evacuation took place in Maierato, a village of 2300 inhabitants in the province of Vibo Valentia, on Monday where an entire mountainside near the center of town collapsed, endangering houses. The first 300 people were evacuated from their homes as early as Monday evening and Tuesday morning the evacuation of the entire surrounding area was begun. More than 200 people have been placed in the police school of Vibo. Another ninety people will be placed in the sports hall of Vibo. Others will be brought into the sports hall of Monte Poro which can accommodate 400 to 500 people, but many of the evacuees have already found refuge in the homes of relatives and friends.

Tons of earth now cover what until recently was a valley. The ridge has brushed dozens of dwellings, putting at risk the buildings that are located at the top which may slip down if the landslide continues to move. This is a significant risk, as it has started to rain with some insistence. The landslide has a front a couple of miles wide, and has swept away roads and water lines, so that the region is completely deprived of water.”

Il vecchio lupo ha parlato.