Digital Governance and Geohazard Mitigation in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction: The 2018 Etna Case Study
Journal
GEOHAZARDS
ISSN
2624-795X
Date Issued
2026-02-01
Author(s)
Scapellato, Giovanni
Licciardello, Giuseppe
Lorenzo, Giuseppe
Blanco, Maria
Campione, Francesco
Carbone, Maria
Castorina, Salvatore
Londino, Antonio
Riggio, Mariangela
Sapienza, Giuseppe
Scrofana, Giuseppe
Tomarchio, Salvatore
Scalia, Salvatore
DOI
10.3390/geohazards7010016
Abstract
Post-disaster reconstruction requires instruments capable of ensuring procedural consistency,
administrative transparency, and the systematic integration of geohazards, all of
which are essential for safeguarding communities. This study presents the digital platform
established under Italian Law 55/2019 for the reconstruction of the areas on Mt. Etna
affected by the Mw 4.9 earthquake of 26 December 2018, emphasizing its innovative contribution
to current international approaches to reconstruction governance. The platform
standardizes the entire administrative workflow and is centered on the Parametric Form,
which enables an objective calculation of eligible reconstruction grants based on damage
indicators, vulnerability metrics, and parametric cost functions. A defining feature of the
Etna model is the structural integration between administrative procedures and geohazard
mitigation, achieved through updated hazard maps and protocols that incorporate
geological, hydrogeological, and geomorphological conditions. This approach reframes
reconstruction as an opportunity to reduce overall territorial vulnerability. The system
also includes public monitoring tools (WebGIS and dashboards) that enhance traceability,
compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Expected outcomes include shorter administrative
timelines, improved interinstitutional coordination, and the potential transferability of
the model to other emergency contexts. In comparison with international cases, the Etna
experience represents an original integration of digitalization, parametric assessment, and
site-specific hazard mitigation.
administrative transparency, and the systematic integration of geohazards, all of
which are essential for safeguarding communities. This study presents the digital platform
established under Italian Law 55/2019 for the reconstruction of the areas on Mt. Etna
affected by the Mw 4.9 earthquake of 26 December 2018, emphasizing its innovative contribution
to current international approaches to reconstruction governance. The platform
standardizes the entire administrative workflow and is centered on the Parametric Form,
which enables an objective calculation of eligible reconstruction grants based on damage
indicators, vulnerability metrics, and parametric cost functions. A defining feature of the
Etna model is the structural integration between administrative procedures and geohazard
mitigation, achieved through updated hazard maps and protocols that incorporate
geological, hydrogeological, and geomorphological conditions. This approach reframes
reconstruction as an opportunity to reduce overall territorial vulnerability. The system
also includes public monitoring tools (WebGIS and dashboards) that enhance traceability,
compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Expected outcomes include shorter administrative
timelines, improved interinstitutional coordination, and the potential transferability of
the model to other emergency contexts. In comparison with international cases, the Etna
experience represents an original integration of digitalization, parametric assessment, and
site-specific hazard mitigation.