92002E3245

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3245/02

by Antonio Di Pietro (ELDR) to the Commission

(11 November 2002)

Subject: Natural disaster (earthquake) in Molise

On 31 October 2002, the Molise region was struck by a violent earthquake measuring eight on the Mercalli scale, the epicentre of which was in the area north-east of Campobasso, and more precisely in the municipalities of Larino, Bonefro, Casacaldenda and San Giuliano di Puglia.

Twenty-nine people died as a result of the earthquake, and hundreds were injured. In dozens of municipalities there was serious damage to homes, other buildings and public facilities, meaning that around 8,500 people had to be evacuated.

In the days following the earthquake, there were further tremors which prolonged the state of emergency in the villages worst hit, and the emergency services rushed to put up tent villages to house the families who had suddenly found themselves homeless.

In view of the strong seismic activity in the area and the approach of winter, which is particularly harsh in the mountain villages of Molise, where the temperature is already falling, will the Commission take concrete action of the kind guaranteed to help economic and productive activity in the region?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2002)

The Honourable Member is informed that Molise is classed as an Objective I (transitional support) region for the period 2000-2006.

It is therefore covered by an Operational Programme to encourage sustainable economic development, total budget EUR 605 000 000, with the Community contributing EUR 115 000 000.

Under the decentralised management principle Italy, in partnership with the Commission, chose the projects to be implemented in pursuit of the programme targets. If the latter need to be modified following the disaster the Commission is ready to examine, in partnership with the national and regional authorities, all proposals for their achievement.