"In the areas of Central Italy affected by the snow emergency promptly intervened over military 250, going to add to the 1800 that were already operating in the areas affected by the various seismic events that followed one another since last August."Thus the Chief of Defense Staff, General Claudio Graziano, to the Rai News 24 microphones talking about the latest interventions by the Armed Forces to try to alleviate the inconveniences caused by the exceptional wave of bad weather that is paralyzing part of our country.
"The military - specified General Graziano - they are predominantly from the Army but we must not forget that assets of the Navy and of the Air Force, as well as of the Carabinieri are also employed or in readiness."
"It is clear that the combination of three different emergency situations - post-earthquake reconstruction, the new seismic wave and the prohibitive weather conditions - require the personnel of the Armed Forces and of the Civil Protection to operate in sometimes extreme conditions. But it is precisely these difficulties in encouraging us to do our utmost to help, support and comfort the population."
"At this time, the essential commitment of our soldiers, who are working tirelessly, is aimed above all at restoring the road network, to allow reaching the affected places, thus allowing the flow of aid and the evacuation of isolated people. To this end, we are mainly using special engineering vehicles - dozers, snow blowers, snow turbines, crawlers - which are dual: born for purely military purposes, they have characteristics that can be profitably used in any emergency situation. It is a joint commitment because it is necessary to respond quickly to the needs of populations in difficulty"Stressed the Chief of Staff of the Defense.
"The entire country system, since the 24 August, night of the first seismic event in central Italy, reacted promptly. The contacts between the Civil Protection, Defense, volunteers and all the competent Bodies have been immediate and constant, because only by acting in a synergistic and coordinated manner can concrete results be achieved. The Armed Forces are proving, once again, to be a precious resource for the country, since they are ready to intervene promptly in case of need and need. The way in which the military personnel is operating, without stopping and in conditions of discomfort, makes me profoundly proud and I believe deserves the thanks of the community, but at this moment our first thought and our priority are the people who need and are in difficulty."General Graziano concluded.
