11 Nov 2014

Scientist welcomes L'Aquila decision

8:50 pm on 11 November 2014

A GNS scientist whose former colleagues in Italy have been cleared of manslaughter charges for failing to predict a deadly quake says she is relieved at the news.

L'Aquila

L'Aquila after the earthquake. Photo: AFP

Seven seismology and engineering experts were charged with manslaughter in 2012 but a court of appeal overturned the convictions yesterday.

L'Aquila was devastated by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in 2009, killing more than 300 people.

GNS scientist D'Anastasio worked with some of the men at Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology and said it was very good news to wake up to.

"I personally know one of them who one of them who is a very good scientist it was a nightmare."

Ms D'Anastasio said scientists must be aware how they communicate with the public during disasters.