Italy marks 50 years since deadly Friuli earthquake

AI Briefing

• – Italy marks 50 years since deadly Friuli earthquake with commemoration service in Gemona, where nearly 1,000 people were killed in 1976 disaster.
• – The earthquake had a devastating impact on the local economy, prompting authorities to prioritize factory reconstruction over homes in the 'Friuli model' to get people back to work as soon as possible.
• – The disaster spurred the foundation of the Protezione Civile, the Italian civil defence authority that deals with nationwide prevention and management of emergencies and catastrophic events.