Civil Protection in Italy: a history of solidarity and innovation
From the Unification of Italy to the Modern Emergency Management System
The Roots of Civil Protection
The history of Civil Protection in Italy has its roots in solidarity and civic assistance. Even in post-unification Italy, emergency relief efforts were not considered a priority of the state but rather entrusted to the military and volunteer organizations. The shift began with the Messina and Reggio Calabria earthquake of 1908 and the Marsica earthquake of 1915, which highlighted the need for a coordinated and structured response to natural disasters.
Evolution Throughout the Twentieth Century
The course of the twentieth century witnessed significant evolution in emergency management in Italy. A turning point was the flood of Florence in 1966, which revealed the absence of a central relief structure. This event, along with other disasters such as the Irpinia earthquake of 1980, pushed for reform in the civil protection system, culminating in Law No. 225 of 1992, which established the National Civil Protection Service.
The Establishment of the Department and Recent Reforms
Civil Protection, as we know it today, began to take shape in 1982 with the establishment of the Department of Civil Protection. This entity is responsible for coordinating emergency management at the national level. Subsequently, the Civil Protection Code of 2018 further strengthened the multifaceted model of the National Service, ensuring more efficient and timely operations.
An Integrated System of Expertise
Today, Italian Civil Protection represents a coordinated system of expertise capable of acting and responding in case of emergencies. It carries out targeted actions for risk prediction and prevention, as well as immediate interventions in emergency situations. Its evolution reflects the country’s commitment to protecting life, property, settlements, and the environment from damages caused by natural disasters, catastrophes, and other calamitous events.
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