A country in a state of emergency continues:declared almost 200 times in the last ten years

And they increase every year.Emilia Romagna and Sicily are the most affected regions

ROME – Italy is a country in a continuous state of emergency.The latest “devastating” events (as governor Zaia defined them) between Lombardy and Veneto, are added to the count of catastrophes due to increasingly extreme weather and the fragility of the territory.In total, in the last ten years alone, and only those of national importance approved by the Government (between May 2013 and February 2024), there are almost two hundred.39 of which in the last two years.79% concern meteorological events, floods and landslides.The updated list has been published by the Department of Civil Protection.

Among the most affected areas are Emilia Romagna And Sicily.In these regions, a state of emergency has been declared 17 times until 2023.Then Tuscany (14) e Veneto (12).But there are many fronts still active, with emergencies not yet "closed".

WHAT IS A STATE OF EMERGENCY

The state of emergency is a legal condition that can be activated upon the occurrence or imminence of exceptional events such as earthquakes, fires, floods or health crises.That is, when it is necessary to act urgently and with extraordinary powers to protect citizens and repair any damage.In these cases, it is possible to derogate from the legal provisions and budget constraints.Furthermore citizens' personal freedoms can be limited for health or safety reasons, on the basis of what is also established in article 16 of the constitution.

Based on Article 24 of Legislative Decree 1/2018, the Council of Ministers decides on the state of emergency, based on the assessments presented by the Civil Protection Department.The proposal is formalized by the president of the council in agreement with the representatives of the regions involved.This resolution establishes the duration of the state of emergency and limits its territorial extension based on the nature and severity of the events.

The same resolution also establishes the first financial resources to be dedicated to rescue and assistance activities.At a later stage, however, further funds will be allocated to support the population and reconstruction.The assessment of the actual impact of the event is also entrusted to civil protection, jointly with the regions and/or autonomous provinces involved.Also in this case, it is the council of ministers that decides on the allocation of resources.For these purposes there is a specific National Emergency Fund.