Italy announced a PS1.8bn package (EUR2bn), to assist the flood-stricken regions of northern Italy, after thousands of people had to leave their homes because of the destruction.
Giorgia Mello announced the investment following a visit to towns in Emilia-Romagna, where floods had claimed 14 lives and damaged many buildings.
Ms Meloni stated that the government is considering increasing the price of admission at state museums by EUR1, as well as creating a lottery to raise money.
The money would be used to repair damaged museums, churches and monuments.
According to Ms Meloni, the assistance package will also include the suspension in the next few months of utility bills and tax payments.
The suspension of mortgage payments will also apply to areas that are considered disaster zones.
The floods caused the loss of many businesses and farms, so PS503m was given to those who were temporarily unemployed. Laptops would be provided to students who could not attend school.
Ms Meloni stated: “In Italy’s current situation, finding two billion euro in just a few short days is not an easy task.”
The floods caused 36,000 people to be displaced. They also destroyed local agriculture and livestock production.
Stefano Bonaccini, the Emilia-Romagna governor, estimated that road damage costs EUR1bn.
Click here to read more
Formula One drivers escaped flooding in Italy after Grand Prix was cancelled
Catania Airport in Sicily is grounded due to Mount Etna’s eruption
The tourism industry in the region was also affected by the damage to beach resorts on the Adriatic Sea.
Even though rescue teams and volunteer workers had tried to remove sludges of mud and water from streets and buildings, Ms Meloni still found that about 10,000 people were unable to return to their homes when she toured the area on Sunday.
Bonaccini expressed his gratitude for the package’s approval, but also noted that the region still “has many wounds” and would continue to do so for some time.
He said, “There are people that have lost everything or almost everything.”
The Climate Show with Tom Heap airs on Sky News on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 7:30pm, as well as on Sky News’ website and app. You can also watch it on Twitter and YouTube.
This show explores the effects of global warming on our landscape, and offers solutions.
reply
retweet
favourite
