Rome - “I don’t want to count the dead. To avoid that, we need responsibility.” A few hours after yet another earthquake that has spread fear in the Campi Flegrei, pushing the population into the streets and leading to the evacuation of schools and universities, the head of the Civil Protection Fabio Ciciliano launches a heartfelt appeal to the citizens of a territory “which we must learn to live with.”
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In an interview given to “La Stampa”, Ciciliano urges: “Citizens should open their homes, even illegal ones, to have them checked.”
The Commissioner stressed that the current situation is “substantially identical to a few weeks ago, when the tremors were more frequent.” While acknowledging that the latest seismic event caused minimal damage (“some collapsed ruins and landslides far from inhabited areas”), Ciciliano warned: “The point is that every shock reminds us that we live in a vulnerable zone.”
Ciciliano praised the efficiency of the emergency response system, tested by previous events such as that of March 13, with the rapid reactivation of the waiting and reception areas in Naples (former NATO base), Pozzuoli and Bacoli. He also clarified that for bradyseism "the evacuation of the area is not foreseen, that is only related to the volcanic risk".
However, the evacuation of schools and the temporary suspension of train traffic yesterday were important precautionary measures. “Citizens are safe, yes, but only if they are in safe homes”, Ciciliano said, underlining how the closure of schools in Pozzuoli came when the buildings were already empty, demonstrating a growing awareness and reactivity of the community. The schools will remain closed today for further checks.
Infrastructure checks underway
Regarding infrastructure, Ciciliano explained that, as is standard practice for tremors of magnitude 4 and above, checks are underway. Rail traffic, including high-speed, has slowed down, but the situation is returning to normal.
Returning to his controversial statements from a few weeks ago (“With a magnitude of 5 you count the dead”), Ciciliano wanted to clarify the logarithmic nature of the Richter scale, highlighting how a magnitude 5 is significantly more powerful and intense than a 4.4 or a 4.
He reiterated the importance of transparent and truthful communication from technicians, even if inconvenient, distinguishing the role of mayors, called to keep communities united, from his task of providing a precise technical framework.
Ciciliano then addressed the issue of vulnerability of buildings, explaining how post-earthquake assessments for evictions are different from preventive vulnerability studies, launched after the May 2024 earthquake in areas of greatest ground deformation. He recalled that citizens can request in-depth assessments thanks to a government fund of 100 million over five years and that an additional 35 million is available for repairs.
A crucial point raised by Ciciliano concerns the controls on illegal buildings: “Yes. Even those who live in an illegal house can have it checked, but they will not be able to access public funds. Nature does not distinguish between those who built well or badly. We can only prevent it”, he concluded, underlining the urgency of a collective awareness of the need for checks and safety of buildings to avoid future tragedies.
Article published on May 14, 2025 - 10:19 pm
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It is important that all citizens understand the gravity of the current situation and that even illegal houses can be controlled. People's safety must come first, even if it is not easy for anyone.