A major landslide triggered by violent storms sparked panic in Italy as thousands of residents were forced to evacuate.

A 2.5-mile (four-kilometre) stretch of cliff collapsed on Sunday on the island of Sicily after being battered by heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Harry.

Homes in the Sicilian town of Niscemi were left perched dangerously close to the cliff edge after a section of it gave way.

Footage shows deep cracks tearing through roads, with stunned residents inspecting the damage.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Civil protection head Fabio Ciciliano said: 'There are homes on the edge of the landslide that are uninhabitable.

'Once the water has drained away and the moving section has stopped or slowed, a more accurate assessment will be made. The landslide is still active.'

The Italian government declared a state of emergency on Monday for Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria, the three southern regions hardest hit by the freak weather.