IT-alert: new tests simulating two large dam collapses

On October 13 and 14, 2026, during Civil Protection Week and in observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), two tests simulating the risk of large dam failure will be conducted at two locations: one in the Autonomous Province of Trento and the other in the Lombardy Region.

On October 13 at 11:00 a.m., the test will take place at the Malga Bissina Dam in the Autonomous Province of Trento. Given its proximity to the Lombardy Region, the test will involve both territories within the geographical area potentially exposed to a flood wave:

▪ Province of Trento: Valdaone, Pieve di Bono - Prezzo, Borgo Chiese, Storo e Bondone;

▪ Province of Brescia: Acquafredda, Anfo, Bagolino, Barghe, Bedizzole, Calcinato, Calvagese della Riviera, Calvisano, Carpenedolo, Gavardo, Idro, Lavenone, Montichiari, Muscoline, Prevalle, Remedello, Roè Volciano, Sabbio Chiese, Vestone, Villanuova sul Clisi, Visano e Vobarno;

▪ Province of Cremona: Calvatone;

▪ Province of Mantova: Acquanegra sul Chiese, Asola, Canneto sull’Oglio e Casalmoro.

On October 14 at 11:30 a.m., the test will focus on the Valnegra Dam in the Province of Bergamo, involving the following municipalities:

▪ Province of Bergamo: Mojo de' Calvi, Valnegra, Lenna, Piazza Brembana, Camerata, Cornello, San Giovanni Bianco, San Pellegrino Terme, Zogno.

Regular testing of the public warning system is essential to verify that it functions properly and to ensure that, in a real emergency, alert messages are broadcast via cell towers and received on mobile devices in affected areas. The tests will also help verify the correct implementation of the communication procedures established in the Civil Protection Document and the Dam Emergency Plan (DEP).

In the event of a major dam failure, the alert message sent to the population in the affected areas will read as follows:

TEST TEST This is an IT-alert TEST MESSAGE. There is an ongoing SIMULATION of a dam collapse in the area where you are. To learn what message you will receive in case of real danger and to fill out the survey, go to www.it-alert.gov.it/en TEST TEST

During the tests, the homepage of the IT-alert website will feature a link to a survey. All residents in the affected areas are encouraged to complete the survey, whether or not they receive the notification.

Test dates may be subject to change if regional civil protection systems are activated due to weather alerts or other emergencies.