State of emergency: A serious and urgent situation requiring the direct and immediate intervention of the Government and the Civil Protection Department. Its regulation is contained in Ordinary Law No. 225 of 1992, which provides for its issuance by the Council of Ministers in the event of "natural disasters or events related to human activity in Italy." Typical examples include earthquakes, floods, environmental disasters, and epidemics.
During a state of emergency, the Government and Civil Protection Department have the power to issue ordinances in the affected areas—or throughout the country—exempting ordinary procedures, in order to expedite the authorities’ response.
It can last a maximum of 180 days, extendable for no more than an additional 180 days if the emergency situation persists. The end of a state of emergency is never automatic; a "closure" ordinance from the Government is required to signal a return to normality.
