Protection from earthquake damage provided by seismic classification and code in Italy

In terms of victims and damage, the loss due to earthquakes in Italy appears to be too high when compared to the average level of seismic hazard. Many reasons can be given to contribute to the situation: historical, economic and social. While technical skills and norms are at a similar level to the most advanced countries in the field, something needs to be changed in the socio-economic behaviour. This certainly includes a major effort to diminish the vulnerability of the pre-code buildings and more attention to the epicentral effects that cannot easily be regulated by the seismic code.