The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Dr. Kamal Kishore, visited CNR-IREA on January 22, accompanied by Eng. Luca Rossi from UNDRR and Dr. Chiara Cardaci representing the Civil Protection Department (DPC).
The purpose of the visit was to show the contribution that CNR-IREA, as a Competence Center supporting the DPC, provides to the National Civil Protection Service in the fields of seismic and volcanic monitoring. This contribution relies on satellite radar interferometry techniques, with particular focus on the comprehensive monitoring activities of a complex area such as the Phlegraean Fields.
During the meeting, Dr. Kishore and Eng. Rossi were briefly introduced to the principles of Differential SAR Interferometry and the P-SBAS technique, developed by IREA researchers, which enables time-series monitoring of ground deformations. The team also presented the automated service for generating ground displacement maps, implemented by IREA, which is provided to the Civil Protection Department following significant seismic events in Italy. This service has been extended to analyze earthquakes on a global scale, with results made freely accessible online via the European research infrastructure EPOS. Furthermore, IREA's support for the DPC in monitoring major active Italian volcanoes, particularly the Phlegraean Fields, was extensively presented.
Concerning the ongoing bradyseismic crisis, IREA demonstrated how it regularly provides the DPC and the National Commission for the Forecasting and Prevention of Major Risks with maps and time series of ground and built environment displacements in the area. This information, combined with observations provided by INGV and other Competence Centers, enables continuous and large-scale monitoring over time.
Dr. Kishore and Eng. Rossi expressed great interest in the activities presented, asking numerous questions and fostering a highly productive discussion with contributions from Dr. Cardaci.
This visit underscores the importance of international cooperation in disaster risk management and highlights the value of advanced scientific research as a vital tool for protecting vulnerable communities and building a safer future for all.
