L’Aquila Earthquake

Many Australian geoscientists were shocked by media reports of an Italian court sentencing six geoscientists and a government official from Italy’s disaster management agency to proson sentences after convicting them of Manslaughter in response provided to advice provided regarding seismic risks affecting the town of L’Aquila, devastated by an earthquake in 2009.

AIG has contacted the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), our equivalent professional body in Europe, who are working to develop an understanding of the court decision, and an appropriate response.  Our advice is that the issue is considerably more complex than Australian media reports would lead one to believe, and the case will be subject to an appeal and review by a higher court in Italy than that responsible for the verdict.

AIG is concerned about potential implications for geoscientists working in all aspects of geohazard advice and management and the concerns expressed by numerous members this week, since the court verdict was reported are appreciated.  Any statement by AIG will, however, be made following consideration of advice on the matter from EFG, which we expect in the next few days.

25th October 2012