Blaming Scientists for Not Predicting an Earthquake?

Blaming Scientists for Not Predicting an Earthquake?

Constant Wonder

Great Quake

Episode: Great Quake

  • Mar 19, 2021 7:00 pm
  • 17:21 mins

On April 6, 2009, an earthquake shook the city of L'Aquila, Italy, and took the lives of 309 people. After the rubble was cleared, five scientists and one government official were charged with committing manslaughter for not warning the residents of L'Aquila before the earthquake happened. The judge found them guilty and they were all sentenced to six years in prison. Did the judge make the right call, or did he not understand the science at play? Guest: David Alexander, Professor of Risk and Disaster Reduction at University College London and Vice-President of the Institute of Civil Protection and Emergency Management