[2] The Southern Apennines originated as northeast moving fold and thrust belt.

The axial part of the Apennines is the most seismically active, with a series of damaging historical earthquakes up to about 7 in magnitude.

[1] The damage was particularly intense in the foothills of the Matese massif and the Bojano plain, with 30 towns and villages being severely affected.

He sent Gabriele Giannocoli, a tax lawyer, to visit those areas of the countryside that has suffered the most, to evaluate the situation and to do what needed to be done.

He concentrated on visiting the most damaged areas, relying on reports from other officials in less affected parts.