Frane e rischio idrogeologico in Italia e nell’area mediterranea

Geo-hydrological risk represents one of the main environmental emergencies in the Mediterranean region, with Italy among the most exposed countries at the European level. 94% of Italian municipalities are classified as being at geo-hydrological risk, and more than 18% of the national territory falls within areas of high or very high hazard. This article analyses two emblematic case studies from 2026 - the landslides in Niscemi (Caltanissetta, Sicily) and the reactivation of the Petacciato landslide (Campobasso, Molise) - to illustrate the integrated scientific approach developed by the Centre for Civil Protection of the University of Florence (CPC-UNIFI) and OGS, which combines satellite remote sensing, geophysical investigations, geotechnical modelling and real-time monitoring systems. In light of these cases, the article proposes a framework for reflection on national and Mediterranean policies for the prevention and mitigation of hydrogeological risk, with particular attention to the role of Earth observation technologies, multi-level governance, and investments in structural prevention.