Mantova Civil Protection Plan Highlights Industrial and Seismic Risks

The evening dedicated to the Civil Protection Forecasting and Prevention Program developed by the Provincia di Mantova took place in the council chamber.

Present were provincial councillor Negrini, Mayor Sigurtà, and the technical staff who outlined the plan.

The first to speak, Arturo Sigurtà, recalled that Castiglione does not lie in a high-risk area, especially for natural disasters, but there could be issues related to fires and industrial accidents involving companies in textiles, wood, plastics, and chemicals.

Industrial Issues and Safety Plans

“The most significant aspect,” explained the mayor, “concerns the Albright & Wilson (formerly Marchon). The company has formulated a civil protection program with us, preparing an informational flyer to distribute among the population.

There is also an internal emergency plan, demonstrating that the factory, one of the first established in Castiglione delle Stiviere, has worked extensively to ensure the safety of residents.

Sigurtà did not hide his ambition to organize a city evacuation simulation so that residents are prepared in the unfortunate event of an industrial accident.

Environmental and Seismic Risks

Among the risks highlighted by provincial technicians Bellini, Negri, and Baraldi, it emerged that the Alto Mantovano area is highly vulnerable concerning aquifers, with a high risk of groundwater pollution.

For instance, in Castiglione, out of six municipal water well, three are designated as high protection, while the remaining three are exposed to potential contamination and are continuously monitored.

Surprisingly, seismic danger is also higher in the morainic zone than in the rest of Mantovano: while from Goito southward the maximum Mercalli level could reach sixth degree, in the northern territory the peak could be seventh level.

Of course, this would not be a catastrophe: an earthquake of low destruction would occur, and residents would be advised to stay indoors, as going outside could increase the risk of falling cornices.