Musumeci calls for flood-prevention law

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 21 - Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci and Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein on Monday called for flood-prevention legislation as much of Emilia Romagna remained on its knees, with many areas still under water, after the deadly floods that caused widespread devastation at the weekend.
    "What could have determined this situation of frailty of Italy's territory?", said Musumeci.
    "The excessive consumption of the soil", he explained, saying "courage" was necessary to approve a law "halting this deplorable practice because concrete becomes the best accomplice of water".
    "The priority of prevention is missing in all local institutions but also at a national level", said Musumeci.
    Meanwhile Schlein said it was "clear prevention must be taken to the next level and it is necessary to draft a law for the consumption of the soil in a region like this", referring to Emilia Romagna, where widespread flooding was reported at the weekend for the fourth time in just one year and a half.
    Schlein told Rai3's Agorà program she wanted such legislation to be passed "also at a national level". (ANSA).