Heavy rains and flooding caused damage to a number of structures this week in Pompeii. The Temple of Venus and Roma were damage and walls around the tomb area collapsed.

Italy has since pledged EUR 2 million (US $2.75 million) to emerging funding for repairs and to combat further damage.

The city is famed for being engulfed by volcanic ash in AD79, wiping out inhabitants and creating a large-scale time capsule, which has led Pompeii to become one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures.

Despite suffering degradation in recent years, some 2.5 million tourists visit the city, 25km south of Naples. Pompeii is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, but has reportedly suffered from a lack of funding, according to Italian media who are largely outraged by government mismanagement.

The timing seems slightly ominous as Hollywood action and adventure blockbuster Pompeii is released in 30 countries this weekend.