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Italy declares Pompeii emergency | Italy declares Pompeii emergency |
(about 15 hours later) | |
The ancient city of Pompeii has fallen into such disrepair that the Italian government has declared a "state of emergency" in a bid to save the ruins. | The ancient city of Pompeii has fallen into such disrepair that the Italian government has declared a "state of emergency" in a bid to save the ruins. |
Ministers intend to appoint a special commissioner to oversee the site, and have earmarked extra funding for it. | Ministers intend to appoint a special commissioner to oversee the site, and have earmarked extra funding for it. |
According to analysts, the ruins have suffered from lack of investment, mismanagement, litter and looting. | According to analysts, the ruins have suffered from lack of investment, mismanagement, litter and looting. |
Pompeii was buried by a volcanic eruption in AD79 and was not rediscovered until the 18th Century. | |
The volcanic debris preserved many of the city's buildings, frescos, silverware, mosaics and other artefacts. | The volcanic debris preserved many of the city's buildings, frescos, silverware, mosaics and other artefacts. |
But experts complain that the relics are now in danger. | But experts complain that the relics are now in danger. |
"Every year at least 150 sq m (1,600 sq ft) of fresco and plasterwork are lost for lack of maintenance," Antonio Irlando, a regional councillor responsible for artistic heritage, told the Corriere della Sera newspaper. | "Every year at least 150 sq m (1,600 sq ft) of fresco and plasterwork are lost for lack of maintenance," Antonio Irlando, a regional councillor responsible for artistic heritage, told the Corriere della Sera newspaper. |
"The same goes for stones: at least 3,000 pieces every year end up disintegrating," he said. Advertisement | |
A look around the ancient city of Pompeii | |
The ruins are one of Italy's biggest tourist attractions, and the newly-elected government has decided to act. | The ruins are one of Italy's biggest tourist attractions, and the newly-elected government has decided to act. |
"To call the situation intolerable doesn't go far enough," Reuters quoted Culture Minister Sandro Bondi as saying. | "To call the situation intolerable doesn't go far enough," Reuters quoted Culture Minister Sandro Bondi as saying. |
The "state of emergency" will last for a year. | The "state of emergency" will last for a year. |