The Regional Council has approved the extension of the state of emergency in Sardinia , already declared with the resolution of 22 January 2026. The decision, taken on the proposal of the President and in agreement with the Councillor for Environmental Protection, delegated to Civil Protection, provides not only for the temporary extension of the extraordinary measures , but also for the territorial extension to the municipalities of northern and western Sardinia affected by meteorological events between 11 and 16 February 2026. The measure is necessary in light of the worsening of the meteorological and hydrogeological situation following Cyclone “Harry” , aggravated by further episodes of bad weather that have caused widespread critical conditions on a regional scale, with phenomena of landslides, erosion and subsidence affecting infrastructure, residential areas and rural areas. The impact of cyclone “Oriana” was particularly significant , as it also hit areas not previously affected, with gusts of mistral wind exceeding 180 km/h and persistent rainfall that accentuated the vulnerability of already saturated soils.
"This resolution consolidates a unified operational framework fully proportionate to the scale of the events, ensuring a consistent, reliable, and immediately implementable framework for intervention for the regions and mayors," stated Environment Councilor Rosanna Laconi . "This is not a mere extension, but a necessary adjustment to ensure the continuity, effectiveness, and timeliness of public action in managing an emergency that has now become widespread and systemic." The extension will allow for the application of the extraordinary measures already activated for the areas affected by Cyclone Harry with the declaration of a regional state of emergency, including the possibility of implementing civil protection ordinances, even in derogation of current regional legislation, in compliance with the principles of the legal system and European and national legislation.
The resolution also mandates the General Directorate of Civil Protection to precisely define the affected areas and quantify financial needs, including for the purpose of requesting the Government to declare a state of emergency of national importance. "A structured strengthening of institutional coordination with the Government is underway, aimed at ensuring adequate financial support for securing the territory and restoring normalcy," Laconi continues. "The decision is part of a medium- to long-term strategy aimed at strengthening prevention, regional resilience, and the regional system's ability to respond effectively to increasingly intense and recurring climate events."
(Unioneonline)
