EU to give EUR 105m to help save Pompeii

(ROME) - The European Union will provide up to 105 million euros ($145 million) to rescue and restore the ancient archaeological site of Pompeii, European Commissioner Johannes Hahn said on Wednesday in Rome.

"The European Commission will keep a constant oversight on the project," which will last at least four years and will provide urgent repairs to the site where several Roman walls have collapsed following foul weather, Hahn said.

The Italian minister for regional affairs, Raffaele Fitto, said the EU funds for Pompeii were "part of a one billion euro plan destined for cultural heritage projects.. particularly in Italy's southern regions."

Part of an ancient wall collapsed on Saturday following flash floods and storms across the country, reigniting calls for urgent action to save the volcano-stricken Roman city which has fallen into serious disrepair.

The collapse of a renowned gladiators' house and another wall at the ancient site last year caused international outrage. Persistently heavy rains were blamed for wearing away the ancient mortar between the stones.

Huhn's visit to Pompei, which was initially set for Wednesday afternoon, was cancelled due to downpours across Italy, and rescheduled for November 7.