Car wrecks are covered with mud in the small town of Monterosso in the Italian north-western region of Liguria, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, following violent rains and floods that struck in the area. Soldiers and civilian rescue workers battled knee-deep mud Thursday as they searched for survivors after flash floods and mudslides inundated picturesque villages around coastal areas of Liguria and Tuscany.
(AP Photo/Massimo Pinca)
Italy gives emergency aid to flooded towns
Car wrecks are covered with mud in the small town of Monterosso in the Italian north-western region of Liguria, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, following violent rains and floods that struck in the area. Soldiers and civilian rescue workers battled knee-deep mud Thursday as they searched for survivors after flash floods and mudslides inundated picturesque villages around coastal areas of Liguria and Tuscany.
(AP Photo/Massimo Pinca)
ROME—A minister inspecting flood-ravaged coastal towns in Italy says the government has approved euro65 million ($91 million) in emergency funds.
Infrastructure Minister Altero Mattioli also told reporters that a Cabinet meeting in Rome Friday declared a state of emergency for the population of the stricken areas in Tuscany and Liguria, including towns that are part of the Cinque Terre tourist route.
Flash floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rains earlier this week barreled through picturesque towns along the northwest coast, burying streets under mud, damaging homes, stores, churches and overturning vehicles.
At least nine people died. Among hard-hit towns are Monterosso and Vernazza, along the Cinque Terre hiking trail popular for its breathtaking views.
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