Rome, Feb 15 .- Numerous earthquakes that struck central Italy over the last six months caused an estimated 23.5 billion euros ($24.8bn) worth of damages, according to a report submitted to the European Union on Wednesday.

Italy's permanent representation to the EU, on behalf of the Italian civil protection, submitted a financial report to Brussels and requested the activation of the EU Solidarity Fund.

The EUSF was created to financially aid members of the bloc in time of natural disaster.

The civil protection said that, of the 23.5bn euros, some 12.9bn were needed for damages to private property while 1.1bn would be allocated to public infrastructure, industrial buildings, businesses, cultural sites as well as gas, electricity and water supply networks.

The sum also included the State costs accrued for mobilizing emergency services and for providing shelter for the civilians whose houses were destroyed by the temblors.

The report acknowledged that Italy had already made a request for EUSF funds on Nov. 16, 2016, but stated that the initial estimate of damage costs rose again after the fresh earthquakes struck in the following months.

The European Commission announced the first disbursement aid payment of 30 million euros on Nov. 30.

On Aug. 24, 2016, a large temblor hit central Italy, which devastated the towns of Amatrice, Arquata del Tronto, Accumoli, Norcia, Camerino and claimed the lives of around 299 people.

Since then, four strong earthquakes led to the deaths of another 34.

Much of the medieval architecture and housing in the region collapsed, forcing thousands to seek shelter in temporary accommodation. (EFE)