Intervention model for natural and anthropogenic risk scenarios in the framework of Municipal Emergency Plans

Municipality Emergency Plans (MEPs) represent an essential tool for Italian municipalities, since they contain all the indications and procedures to face any expected or unexpected hazard in their territory. In the present work, the MEP of Palma Campania municipality (Napoli province, Southern Italy) completed in April 2016, is reported. The experience of Palma Campania is here reported since it has represented a significant test site where different risks, both natural and anthropogenic, have been considered, along with their potential mutual interaction. Palma Campania territory, indeed, has been affected by different calamitous events, both natural (landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions by the Somma-Vesuvius complex) and man-induced (wildfires, industrial risks). According to the guidelines provided, a standard methodology was applied (Augustus method), however risk characterization was enhanced by using the most advanced technologies and methodologies and performing ad hoc field surveys. In particular, landslide, hydraulic, fire, seismic, volcanic and industrial risks scenarios have been defined, with the support of high-resolution Digital Terrain Models and adopting advanced scientific procedures. An extremely detailed risk assessment has been fundamental for the implementation of a tailored intervention model, designed to make safe the population in case of calamities. Therefore, the MEP of Palma Campania represents a fundamental document for inhabitants' safety during calamitous events, analyzing at a very local scale all the possible direct and indirect interactions between risks and people. Moreover, the MEP is intended to be a dynamic plan, representing a main basis linked to a series of activities, such as satellite and hydro-meteorological monitoring, seismic microzonation, etc. Thus, the main aim of a MEP is oriented towards the long-term prevention and risk awareness. Such experience may represent a valuable approach for municipalities affected by multiple risks, with the aim of defining the best strategies for risk reduction.

Automated summary

The Municipality Emergency Plan of Palma Campania in Southern Italy is a fundamental tool to face natural and anthropogenic risks, providing a detailed risk assessment and tailored intervention model for population safety during calamities. The plan aims at long-term prevention and risk awareness, serving as a valuable approach for municipalities affected by multiple risks to define the best strategies for risk reduction.