Italy: quake zone in state of emergency

The Italian government on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for the areas affected by a deadly weekend earthquake, releasing 50 million euros for the immediate recovery effort. "We need to jump start industry and overcome the widespread damage caused to our cultural heritage," said Premier Mario Monti in a visit to Emilia-Romagna, noting the economic importance of the region to the entire country. The earthquake also badly damaged or destroyed a number of historic buildings. The relief money will come from the National Civil Protection Fund and will cover a 60-day period, said a government statement following a cabinet meeting. The state of emergency covers the northern provinces of Bologna, Modena, Ferrara and Mantua, which were hit by Sunday's 6.0 earthquake that left seven people dead and caused massive damage to local industry and agriculture. Monti also announced that the government would suspend property tax on damaged factories and homes while asking banks to lend to companies hit by the disaster. Around 5,000 workers in the area of the cities of Modena and Ferrara were unable to clock in on Tuesday because their offices and factories are not fit for use.