Emergency management and risk reduction measures during the Vulcano (Aeolian Islands) unrest 2021–2023

Abstract

Vulcano, one of the most touristic islands in the Aeolian archipelago (Sicily, Italy), has been the site of significant volcanic unrest started in 2021, which is still ongoing. Fortunately, the crisis peak occurred in winter, so the direct consequences on the population were moderate. However, the socio-psychological impact was relevant as people had recently emerged from the Covid pandemic.

Since the most recent eruption occurred in 1888–1890, Vulcano has been characterized by fumarolic activity at the crater and diffuse degassing from the ground in the surrounding areas, contributing to a perception of low risk by the inhabitants. For this reason, it has been difficult for civil protection authorities at different territorial levels to implement risk mitigation measures on the island. The Italian Civil Protection Department together with the other administrations involved managed the volcanic unrest on the island through a series of actions that are described in this data report, facing complex challenges, such as the gas hazard management in populated areas, and experimenting with new methodologies that can be exported to similar contexts in the future.