Campi Flegrei, Musumeci: “Never said that citizens should leave the area”

After yet another tremor that shook the Campi Flegrei – the fourth above magnitude 4 in a year – the Minister for Civil Protection Nello Musumeci intervenes to clarify the government's position on risk management. No mass evacuation plan, no escape for half a million people. But this does not mean the situation can be underestimated.

"I never said that citizens should leave the area", the minister pointed out. "Thinking of moving 500 thousand people from Campania or the country would be an extreme measure and, at the moment, completely unjustified." However, Musumeci admitted that «some portions of the caldera territory are indeed vulnerable» and, precisely for this reason, it could be "it is useful to suggest that those areas be cleared."

The reference is also to some densely urbanized areas, including those that host public housing developments. «The State too – said Musumeci – he made a mistake, building public infrastructure 70-80 years ago in high-risk areas." Now it's a matter of learning to live with bradyseism, the minister explained, and deciding what to do together with local administrations: «The mayors talk about coexistence, and we respect their indications».

The government's plan aims to mitigate risks through seismic retrofitting of buildings, both public and private. «There is no territory that is 100% safe – Musumeci specified – but we can reduce exposure to risk. With over half a billion euros allocated in two or more programs, anyone who wants to secure their home will be able to access 50% financing, already provided by the Meloni government."