Large dam risk and IT-alert tests
As part of the EXE PO 2026 exercise, which simulates a flood of the Po River in the regions of Piemonte, Lombardia, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna, specific operational scenarios are planned that also address the risk posed by large dams. In particular, the following are being tested:
- the specific procedures and communication flows for the different alert phases related to the risk posed by large dams;
- two scenarios related to the highest alert level—that is, the “collapse” phase—with the subsequent transmission of the IT-alert test messages.
The exercise activities make it possible to verify coordination among the parties involved, the effectiveness of the procedures set forth in the Civil Protection Document and the Dam Emergency Plans (PED), as well as the procedures for activating IT-alert.
The exercise also serves as an important opportunity to assess response capacity in managing complex scenarios involving risks posed by large dams, as well as a training opportunity for civil protection operators, technicians, and volunteers.
Furthermore, by sending the IT-alert message, the exercise proves extremely useful for raising awareness among residents in areas adjacent to the Po River and, on a more technical level, for verifying that, in the event of a real emergency, the phone cells in the affected area provide the necessary coverage.
The exercise activities involve the following major dams: the Rochemolles Dam, in the municipality of Bardonecchia (TO); the Camandona Dam, in the municipality of Camandona (BI); the Porto della Torre Dam, located between the municipalities of Somma Lombardo (VA) and Varallo Pombia (NO); the Salionze Dam, located between the municipalities of Monzambano and Ponti sul Mincio (MN); and the Isola Serafini Dam, in the municipality of Monticelli d’Ongina (PC), along the course of the Po River.
The scenario for the dams simulates a gradual worsening of meteorological and hydrological conditions and the consequent progression through three (of the four) alert phases established for large-dam risk (pre-alert, reinforced surveillance/alert, and danger). For only two dams—Porto della Torre and Salionze—the transition to the fourth phase, “collapse,” will also be tested, with the primary aim of verifying the delivery of the IT-alert test message.
The evolution of the scenario allows for the implementation of the procedures set forth in the dam's Civil Protection Documents and Emergency Plans, verifying the proper functioning of communications between operators, the Region, the Prefectures, the Provinces, the Municipalities, the Directorate-General for Dams and Water Infrastructure (DG Dighe), and civil protection operational units.
On June 25 and 26, 2026, two tests of the IT-alert public warning system will be performed, simulating the collapse of a large dam. These tests are part of the periodic exercises for the IT-alert system and are essential for verifying its effectiveness under real-world operating conditions. They allow for an assessment of mobile phone coverage and the promptness of the warning system itself.
On June 25, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., the IT-alert test will focus on the Porto della Torre Dam, affecting the municipalities of Varallo Pombia, Pombia, Marano Ticino, Oleggio, Bellinzago Novarese, Somma Lombardo, Vizzola Ticino, and Lonate Pozzolo.
The following day, June 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., the test will focus on the Salionze Dam, affecting the municipalities of Valeggio sul Mincio, Mantova, Volta Mantovana, Monzambano, Ponti sul Mincio, Goito, and Marmirolo.
During the exercise, the affected population will receive a test message that reads 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
In case of a real danger of a large dam collapse, however, the affected population would receive this message:
▪ Civil Protection Alert DD/MM/YY at 00:00 - XYZ DAM COLLAPSE in the Municipality of XYZ (PROVINCE): possible flash flood. STAY AWAY FROM WATERCOURSES and reach high areas. Keep up to date and follow the instructions of the authorities