The Crucial Role of National Exercises and Data Interoperability in Enhancing Emergency Management: Lessons from Exe Flegrei 2024

Italian National Civil Protection Exercises play a pivotal role in enhancing emergency response capabilities by testing operational efficiency, verifying emergency plans, and fostering cooperation among institutions and the public. The Exe Flegrei 2024 exercise exemplifies these objectives, focusing on the volcanic risk associated with the densely populated and geologically complex Campi Flegrei area in Italy. This exercise also integrates advanced data model outputs and scientific contributions from scientific partners of the Civil Protection Dept, including the CNR-IMAA, who provides essential tools and platforms for integrating data on risk planning and emergency management.

Objectives and Scope:

Exe Flegrei 2024 aims to simulate a large-scale volcanic emergency, testing various aspects of preparedness, including:

• Emergency Plan Validation: Ensuring that plans are coherent, effective, and applicable to real-world scenarios.
• Interinstitutional Coordination: Strengthening collaboration among national, regional, and local authorities as well as private organizations.
• Public Awareness and Training: Educating citizens on self-protection measures and evacuation protocols.
• Data Interoperability: Assessing the integration of diverse datasets and model outputs, provided by scientific institutions, to support decision-making during crises.

The Role of CNR-IMAA and Data Interoperability:

One of the distinguishing features of Exe Flegrei 2024 is its focus on testing the interoperability of data and model outputs from the scientific competence centers of the National Civil Protection Department. Among these, the CNR-IMAA (National Research Council – Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis) plays a key role by delivering:

• Tools and platforms for integrated data management.
• Solutions to facilitate the visualization and analysis of risks and emergency scenarios.
• Support for the operational planning of risk mitigation strategies.

Scenario Simulation:

The exercise simulates a hypothetical escalation in volcanic activity leading to a potential eruption. Key actions include:

• Activating alert levels.
• Planning and managing mass evacuations.
• Simulating emergency response operations, including real-time monitoring and communication.

The exercise also examines how scientific data flows, including geophysical and environmental modeling, can be effectively integrated into operational decision-making frameworks.

Outcomes and Lessons:

Exe Flegrei 2024 demonstrated that National Exercises produce significant benefits, including:

• Enhanced efficiency in evacuation procedures and resource allocation
• Improved public awareness and preparedness
• Identification of operational or logistical weaknesses
• Strengthened collaboration between institutions and scientific centers

A critical focus is the validation of data interoperability mechanisms to ensure seamless integration of scientific inputs into emergency operations. By leveraging platforms provided by institutions like CNR-IMAA, the exercise demonstrates the importance of advanced technological and methodological support in modern civil protection strategies.

Conclusion:

Exe Flegrei 2024 underscores the strategic importance of national exercises in addressing complex risks like those posed by the Campi Flegrei volcanic system. Beyond traditional objectives, it highlights the critical role of scientific and technological contributions, especially in the realm of data interoperability and decision support. These initiatives build a culture of preparedness, improve operational response, and ensure a more resilient society.