(ANSA) – AVELLINO, NOV 23 – “My fear is that even the tragedy of the Irpinia earthquake has not taught us enough: I have the duty to say that we need to convince ourselves that only with prevention can tragedies be avoided , but mitigating its effects is a cultural limit that we must free ourselves from.” This was stated by the Minister of Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, who spoke together with the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, in Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi, on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the earthquake which on 23 November 1980 caused the death of almost three thousand people over an area of 17 thousand square kilometers. “We are here – added Musumeci – to pay homage to the victims of that tragedy, one of the most serious calamities of the twentieth century, but also to reiterate the warning to everyone, citizens and institutions, of the need for prevention: it is the only path we have duty to take and travel”. Musumeci then mentioned, in particular, “fatalism, especially among us southerners. We have a very abstract perception of risk. When faced with tragedies we are moved, but immediately afterwards we open the construction site of removal in our minds. It is not and must not be more like this: we must have a different gear with respect to the perception of risk”. Piantedosi, who is originally from the province of Avellino, underlined the feeling of “closeness and solidarity with the communities that were mortally wounded by the earthquake, especially in Alta Irpinia: it was our duty to be here to pay homage to the victims”. Musumeci and Piantedosi then participated in the conference on seismic risk promoted by the Civil Protection and the municipality of Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi in the inter-municipal operations center named after Giuseppe Zamberletti, extraordinary commissioner sent to Irpinia in the days immediately following the earthquake, considered the “father” of the modern Italian Civil Protection. (HANDLE).
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#Musumeci #cultural #limit #risk #prevention
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**PAA Question:** How has the Italian government balanced the competing priorities of preserving cultural heritage with the need for seismic retrofits in historic buildings, particularly in regions like Irpinia?
## Interview: Remembering Irpinia, Learning for the Future
**Guests:**
* **Minister Nello Musumeci**, Minister of Civil Protection, Italy
* **Dr. Giovanni Esposito**, Civil Engineer and Disaster Risk Reduction Expert
**Interviewer:** Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into important issues shaping our world. Today, we commemorate the 44th anniversary of the devastating Irpinia earthquake in Italy. Joining us are Minister Nello Musumeci, the Minister of Civil Protection, and Dr. Giovanni Esposito, a leading expert in disaster risk reduction.
**Section 1: Remembrance and Honoring the Past**
* **Interviewer:** Minister Musumeci, today marks a somber anniversary. What message do you hope resonates with Italians and the world as we remember the Irpinia earthquake?
* **Minister Musumeci:** … (Allows Minister Musumeci to express his thoughts on the significance of the anniversary, the victims, and the lasting impact.)
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Esposito, how have the lessons from the Irpinia earthquake influenced seismic building codes and disaster preparedness strategies in Italy?
* **Dr. Esposito:** … (Allows Dr. Esposito to elaborate on the evolution of building regulations, community preparedness programs, and advancements in early warning systems.)
**Section 2: The Challenge of Fatalism and Risk Perception**
* **Interviewer:** Minister Musumeci, you spoke powerfully in your address about a “cultural limit” of fatalism regarding risks, particularly in Southern Italy. Can you elaborate on this and how it hinders proactive disaster prevention?
* **Minister Musumeci:** …(Allows Minister Musumeci to expand on the concept of fatalism, explore its historical and sociological roots in the Italian context, and discuss efforts to promote a more proactive approach to risk management.)
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Esposito, from your perspective as an expert, how can we effectively challenge this fatalistic mindset and encourage individuals and communities to engage more actively in disaster risk reduction?
* **Dr. Esposito:** … (Dr. Esposito can propose concrete strategies such as public awareness campaigns, community-based workshops, local partnerships, and the integration of risk education into school curriculums.)
**Section 3: The Vital Role of Prevention and Cultural Shift**
* **Interviewer:** Minister Musumeci, what concrete steps is the Ministry of Civil Protection taking to mitigate the risk of future seismic disasters and promote a culture of preparedness?
* **Minister Musumeci:**..(Allows Minister Musumeci to outline specific initiatives, including investment in infrastructure modernization, seismic monitoring networks, emergency response training, and public awareness campaigns.)
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Esposito, what role can technology and innovation play in enhancing disaster preparedness and response? Are there any promising advancements on the horizon?
* **Dr. Esposito:** … (Dr. Esposito can discuss emerging technologies like artificial intelligence for risk assessment, early warning systems utilizing real-time data, and the development of resilient infrastructure.)
**Section 4: A Shared Responsibility for a Safer Future**
* **Interviewer:** Minister Musumeci, while governmental policies are crucial, what role do you believe individuals and communities have in contributing to a safer future?
* **Minister Musumeci:** …(Minister Musumeci can emphasize the importance of individual responsibility, community engagement, and the collective effort required to build resilience.)
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Esposito, what final message would you like to leave our viewers regarding the importance of learning from past tragedies like the Irpinia earthquake and working together to create a more disaster-resilient world?
* **Dr. Esposito:** … (Dr. Esposito can offer a concluding statement emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance, preparedness, and international collaboration in the face of increasing natural hazards.)
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your insights and perspectives on this important issue.
**(Ending)
Note:** This interview structure encourages a nuanced discussion by exploring different aspects of the topic, including historical context, cultural factors, technological advancements, and individual responsibility. It allows both guests to express their unique viewpoints while creating a comprehensive and informative dialog for the viewers.
