Catastrophe in Italy, the government approves 2 billion euros for flood-affected areas

The Italian government has approved 2 billion euros for the damages caused by the floods in the Emilia-Romagna area. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the investment after visiting towns in the Emilia-Romagna region, where floods have claimed 14 lives and forced thousands to flee their homes.

The aid package will also include the suspension of tax and utility bill payments over the coming months. The government has provided 580 million for the emergency fund for up to 90 days, 298 million for a compensation of up to 3 thousand euros for the self-employed who had to suspend their activity.

"This decree includes the first urgent and very essential interventions for the area. The decree foresees the suspension of the deadlines related to tax and social security payments until August 31. In general, this first provision foresees an allocation of over 2 billion euros for flood-affected areas. In the current situation in which Italy finds itself, finding 2 billion euros in a few days is not an easy thing," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The floods displaced 36,000 people, destroyed local agriculture and hit livestock production. Emilia-Romagna Governor Stefano Bonaccini estimated the cost of road damage at 1 billion euros.