The European Commission is donating 500 million euros to Italy to help it rebuild the central town of L’Aquila. The money is intended to pay for new houses and roads, and for electrical networks and water supplies.

L’Aquila was the epicentre of an earthquake at the beginning of April. The earthquake, which registered 6.3 on the Richter scale, left almost 300 people dead and at least 50,000 homeless. Many of the homeless are still living in tents. The historic centre of the town remains closed.

The earthquake’s effects were felt throughout the entire region of Abruzzo and have delivered a harsh blow to its economy.

Photo of L'Aquila after the earthquake by Adele Sarno (flickr)