Campi Flegrei Exercise: First Day Closed

The Campi Flegrei were the scene of a high-level simulation aimed at testing Civil Protection procedures in the event of a volcanic eruption.

The scenario saw the presence of a strong seismic swarm with events of magnitude between 3.7 and 4.4, distinctly felt by the population, and an increase in the speed of ground uplift.

Activation of all coordination centers

The exercise, which took place on the first day, saw the activation of all coordination centers established by the Bradyseism Expeditious Plan, established pursuant to Legislative Decree 140/2023. These included the Municipal Operations Centers, the Relief Coordination Center at the Naples Prefecture, the Regional Operations Room, and the Emergency Room of the Campania Civil Protection Department. The INGV's Vesuvius Observatory played a crucial role in communicating seismic events and activating the National Operations Committee of the Civil Protection Department.

Focus on emergency procedures

The main objective of the simulation was to test emergency procedures in the event of level 3 bradyseism, a scenario with widespread damage. Various procedures were tested, including:

• Technical checks on underground utilities and infrastructures
• Request for declaration of a National State of Emergency by the Campania Region
• Activation of mobile rescue columns by other Italian regions
• Emergency telecommunications between coordination centers
• Activation of volunteering
• Activation of the corporate crisis units of the ASL Napoli 1 and 2 with a health facility
  Evacuations and assistance to the population

The second day of the exercise, scheduled for tomorrow, will focus on the municipalities of Naples, Pozzuoli, and Bacoli. Evacuation procedures will be tested with a sample of the population and the transfer to assistance hubs.

A fundamental exercise for the safety of citizens

The Civil Protection exercise in Campi Flegrei represents a fundamental event for the preparation and mitigation of volcanic risk in the area. The results obtained will be used to further improve emergency procedures and ensure maximum safety for the population in the event of a real volcanic eruption.