by InTrieste
Cleanup operations in the areas struck by recent severe weather in Friuli Venezia Giulia are advancing quickly, regional officials said on Wednesday, as authorities prepare for the arrival of Italy’s national civil protection chief later this week.
Governor Massimiliano Fedriga and Regional Civil Protection Councillor Riccardo Riccardi, speaking via videoconference after a meeting of the Regional Emergency Committee in Palmanova, said that coordinated efforts between the regional Civil Protection System and the national Fire Brigade had accelerated work on the ground.
Fedriga said he expected many evacuated residents to begin returning home as early as Wednesday in the hamlet of Versa, where conditions are stabilizing. In Brazzano, however, the timeline is likely to be one or two days longer because of an ongoing landslide risk. “These are short-term timeframes,” he said, noting that a “significant portion” of evacuees should soon be able to reenter their homes.
Mayors Roberto Felcaro of Cormons and Michele Calligaris of Romans d’Isonzo also took part remotely in the meeting.
Riccardi cautioned that although rain is forecast in the coming days, the expected weather patterns differ substantially from those that caused the recent damage. Even so, he urged heightened attention in the landslide’s red zone, where two people lost their lives.
As a precautionary measure, Riccardi said, the region had agreed with the prefect of Gorizia to strengthen security patrols. Starting Wednesday evening, volunteer associations will help guard against potential looting and monitor access to evacuated homes.
Riccardi also announced that Fabio Ciciliano, head of Italy’s National Civil Protection Department, will visit Friuli Venezia Giulia on Friday morning. Regional officials plan to accompany him to the affected areas as they prepare the documentation needed to formally request national disaster status.
