PACENTRO (Italy) - THE mayor of an Italian town shaken by Monday's earthquake says Madonna has promised US$500,000 (S$750,000) to help people in need.

Fernando Caparso, the mayor of Pacentro, the mountainside village where two of the pop star's grandparents were born, told reporters on Wednesday that that he had spoken to the pop star's manager.

VIDEO Talk of the Town: Madonna's donation (1:24)

He said he was deeply moved by Madonna's effort to assist the town as well as surrounding areas.

Pacentro, 100 kilometers from hard-hit L'Aquila, felt Monday's earthquake but didn't suffer major damage.

Mr Caparso said most of the donation would go to areas harder hit.

Liz Rosenberg, the pop singer's spokeswoman, said Madonna had pledged a 'substantial amount,' but didn't disclose the exact figure. -- AP