Rome, 29 May (AKI) - Around 18 million euros has been collected by mobile phone operators through text messaging or SMS to help victims of the deadly earthquake in the central Italian region of Abruzzo. Nearly 300 people were killed in the quake that occurred on 6 April and thousands of others have been left homeless.

"The fundraising service which was set up right after the earthquake and accessible for all phone operators, collected 18 million euros, 11 million of that by Telecom Italia," said Oscar Cichetti, a domestic market executive in an interview with Italy's state radio RAI.

He added that the money was collected "on behalf of Italy's department of civil protection" and that the telecommunications companies did not charge any fees for the charity service.

His statements took place a day after prime minister Silvio Berlusconi signed a 6 billion euro aid package for earthquake-battered Abruzzo.

The earthquake destroyed large parts of the Abruzzo region and forced around 65,000 people to flee their homes.

At least 36,000 are now living in tents, while other refugees are being hosted by hotels and other residents.

The Italian government last month approved the release of 8 billion euros for Abruzzo's reconstruction but several government ministers have indicated that more funds will be required for the reconstruction of the region.

Italy lies on two fault lines and has been hit by powerful earthquakes in the past, mainly in the south of the country.