Manner to response to extreme rainfall events of some urban areas: the analysis of floods on 15th and 19th October 2015 in Samnium, Southern Italy

This paper focuses on natural hazards, such as landslides and floods, and on consequent disasters that can suddenly hit extensive urban areas. The research aims to describe and detect the damages due to unprecedented rainfalls that occurred among 15th and 19th October 2015 and that have led to multiple calamitous events in the Municipalities of Benevento, in Southern Italy. It highlights the most affected locations and common phenomena in order to document the past and present situation of risk. This hydrologic event has resulted in simultaneous disasters in the different areas of the Samnium, namely overflowing of the Calore river, massive flooding, intense erosions, extensive landslides in the mountain areas and heavy damage to the constructions and infrastructures. Particularly, the research concerns the vulnerability of the existent crossing structures in the examined areas, e.g. some masonry bridges, that because of this event of flood have collapsed for a part. This brief overview wants to be a reflection on the issue of natural disasters related to the definition of risk scenarios and emergency management but especially to the extent of protecting the built heritage. The evaluation of territorial threats could be a fundamental source of knowledge to deal with future emergencies, by extending this approach all over the world, for planning and integrated development in specific geographic areas with similar constructive features and problematics.