Cyclone Cleopatra "was not an exceptional and unpredictable event".

This is what the geologist Alfonso Bellini writes in the report filed today in the Court of Appeal in Sassari about the atmospheric event that devastated Olbia on 18 November 2013, causing the death of six people.

In Sassari, the second degree trial is underway which sees the then mayor of Olbia Gianni Giovannelli and the managers of the Municipality Gabriella Palermo, Antonello Zanda, Giuseppe Budroni, all acquitted at first instance, accused of multiple manslaughter and negligent disaster.

The expert replies point by point to questions from judges, defense lawyers and civil party lawyers representing the families of the victims.

By implementing the municipal emergency plan, it is noted in the report, the tragedy would have been avoided.

An exceptional and unpredictable event because the arrival of the strong disturbance had been announced the day before, with a weather alert issued on Sunday 17 November, and there would be plenty of time to take the minimum safety measures.

The report highlights numerous flaws in the management of the event that cost the life of Morgania Giagoni, two years old, and her mother Patrizia Corona, Francesco Mazzoccu and her 4-year-old son Marco, Anna Ragnedda and Maria Massa.

It seems a point in favor of the plaintiffs, but Giampaolo Murrighile, one of the plaintiff lawyers, does not sing victory: "Before expressing a complete judgment on the report filed today, we are waiting to know the contents entirely, but at this moment we can express a moderate satisfaction, if only because precise answers are finally given on the many questions that deserved clarification ".

(Unioneonline / L)