Khaberni - A famous rock formation on the coast of Italy overlooking the Adriatic Sea known as the "Lovers Arch" collapsed on Valentine's Day after enduring bad weather for days, prompting officials to warn that other parts of the fragile coast could be at risk of collapse.
The natural arch, part of the Sant'Andrea sea rocks near the town of Melendugno in the southern Italian region of Puglia, was a popular site for lovers to propose marriage and for tourists to take photos.
Maurizio Cisternino, the mayor of Melendugno, told the local Corriere Salentino newspaper, "It was an unwanted gift on Valentine's Day," describing the collapse as a "severe blow" to the region's image and tourism.
Cisternino mentioned that heavy rains, fierce winds, and rough seas swept over the coast and eventually destroyed the arch.
He added, "Nature has reclaimed what it had made."
Officials warned of the potential collapse of other parts of the rocky coast as cracks appeared, indicating an increased threat from coastal erosion.
