Italy OKs urgent work on danger areas in ancient Pompeii after rain-caused collapse of ruins
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Citing "utmost urgency," Italy has approved work to repair walls in ancient Pompeii that collapsed after heavy rains, and authorized spending 2 million euros ($2.7 million) on routine maintenance.
The decisions were made Tuesday in Rome after a hastily convened meeting of the culture minister with archaeological experts. On Sunday, stones from an arch and a stretch of wall collapsed in the popular tourist site. On Monday, a wall of an ancient shop collapsed.
Similar collapses in recent years have prompted an infusion of funds, but only a fraction of the 105 million euros ($145 million) earmarked for the "Great Pompeii" rehabilitation project has been spent. Bureaucracy is blamed in part.
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Italy's culture ministry said Tuesday priority will also be given to work to reduce flood risk in unexcavated areas.