Natural disasters compound construction defects

Torrential rains in Italy this last week triggered landslides on the island of Ischia, Italy. Densely populated and known for its thermal baths, the island also sits in an earthquake zone.

Proper construction methods take these environmental factors into account. However, it appears that the race for construction to catch up with population growth may have resulted in corners being cut. Multiple structures were destroyed last weekend in the port city of Casamicciola Terme. Several people are still missing.

The fallout from this most recent disaster will require people with different, and perhaps conflicting, goals to come together to create plans for relocating citizens, adopting new construction standards and executing those plans. Understanding the role of experts, builders, insurers, government, other groups and local customs will be integral to managing a successful solution.

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