5.a. case study italy various strategies to manage from volcanic activity

background

italys tectonic setting is complicated by several fracture zones in the mediterranean where the african and eurasian plates meet. there have been several well documented eruptions in past and mount etna on sicily is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, characterised by relatively frequent, low viscosity basaltic eruptions. its activity poses ongoing hazards to nearby settlements, agriculture and tourism but also allows for management strategies as it is relatively predictable

attempts to mitigate against the event

italy has had some local scale success with slowing and diverting lava flows from etna. earth barriers, large concrete blocks dropped into the lava flow and channels dug to divert flowing lava away from settlement have been used. during eruptions- most likely 1983 and 1992- explosives were used to blast open lava channels. this redirected lava from settlements like zafferana. this was led by italian scientists from the national institute of geophysics and volcanology with gov approval. there is also artifical breaching of lava tubes where lava often flows through underground lava tubes. tis was used successfully in the 1991-1993 mount etna eruptions. in some cases water has been used to cool and solidify lava front however it wasnt too used as water availability wasnt large enough. the authorities would allow lava to flow through pre identified sacrifice zones. this managed where the hazard went

attempts to mitigate against vulnerability

monitoring plays a significant role in mitigating eruption hazards, providing accurate information to the volcano risk service CFCRV which is the basis for decison making such as evacuation orders. the work of the CFCRV includes:

long term analysis of the eruption patterns of individual volcanoes; international comparison with similar eruptions elsewhere, constant monitoring eg seismometers, tilt meters, analysis of gas emissions, aerial and satellite surveys eg infrared to detect heat- daily and weekly bulletins are issued; a well established alert level sequence understood by emergency services; all levels of gov and local communities (active community preparedness doe example among the villages on the slopes of volcanoes such as etna and vesuvius); closure of airports and air space when threatened by ash in the atmosphere; research into most effective building design to resist ash fall. much work is carried out to identify the types of houses most at risk and to offer affordable solutions, eg adding a pitched rood to an existing flat roof, which will shed ash fall

hazard mapping identifies high risks zones on etnas slopes. used by planners and emergency services. some building restrictions in highest risk zones but enforcement is inconsistent due to tourism and farming= tension between economic benefits vs safety. schools and communities are regularly educated about evacuation routes and volcanic risks

attempts to mitigate against losses

with frequent eruptions from etna italy is well practiced in dealing with volcanic hazards. actions taken in modifying such events also help to mitigate vulnerability and loss. even so houses, farms, livestock, orange and lemon droves and tourist facilities have been destroyed in recent decades. the italian gov has the resources to compensate individuals and businesses and restore infrastructure. casualities have been minimal thanks to timely evacuation based on accurate data and well trained public services such as the fire service, the police and the military

italy can access support from the EU fro disaster recovery. the temporary closure of the ski resorts and cable cars kept people and equipment safe during the eruptions so there were less human and economic losses. insurance and financial aid were given to some businesses and farmers through compensation schemes and rebuilding grants