Enhancing preparedness for managing debris from earthquakes: lessons from Italy

Earthquakes can generate large volumes of debris which may threaten public health, hinder reconstruction and impact the environment. The present paper aims at investigating how the current Italian regulatory framework may be further developed to improve communities’ ability to manage debris from earthquakes. Since the lack of preparedness for managing disaster debris is not confined to Italy, the paper may be valuable to stimulate a broader debate on this issue. The research work is based on selected case studies (L’Aquila 2009, Regione Emilia-Romagna—Circolare n. 2 of 12.06.2012 (2012) “Provisions for the resumption of production activities according to art. 3 paragraphs 7 to 10 of Legislative Decree June 6, 2012 n. 74” and Central Italy 2016–2017 earthquakes) and the review of the relevant literature and legislation. It shows that preparedness could have contributed to reducing or avoiding significant delays and problems in managing debris after the above-mentioned Italian earthquakes. It further suggests that disaster debris management in Italy could benefit from the existence of a comprehensive ex ante regulatory framework including a range of different tools (laws, guidelines, contingency plans and the like) and from the proper implementation of laws that are already part of our legal order. The above findings may directly feed into decision-making addressing disaster debris management. Overall, the paper focuses on a research topic which is becoming increasingly relevant, given the rise in the number and severity of natural disasters, but which is still not widely explored.