Cabinet has decreed a state of
emergency and disbursed an initial 50 million euros following a
devastating August 24 earthquake in central Italy that flattened
entire towns and killed hundreds, officials said Friday.
Premier Matteo Renzi announced the measures last night,
adding that Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan will sign off on
suspending taxes in the stricken areas.
The Italian Banking Association (ABI) has called for banks
to suspend mortgage payment collections on quake-damaged homes.
The National Association of Insurance Companies (ANIA) called
for member firms to defer premium payments.
As of Sunday, ticket sales at State museums across the
country will go to earthquake relief.
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