Santa Maria evacuations increase to 260 people due to land instability

A technical evaluation group has ordered the evacuation of 50 additional housing units in the Santa Maria district due to hydrogeological instability. This brings the total number of people forced to abandon their homes to 260.

The findings, presented to Mayor Giovanni Legnini, follow inspections conducted in mid-September by a multidisciplinary team. The report highlights severe vulnerability on the northern slope of the neighborhood, specifically affecting four buildings.

Key areas of concern include the Don Minzoni condominium, a five-story building reported to have severe structural deformations and inadequate foundations, and the Bel View condominium, where significant shifts and rotations have been detected. The technical group, which includes experts from the University of Chieti-Pescara and the Special Office for Reconstruction, has designated certain structures as red zones to ensure resident safety.