NEW YORK - Madonna is coming to the aid of earthquake victims in central Italy.

Liz Rosenberg, the pop singer's spokeswoman, says Madonna has pledged a "substantial amount," but didn't disclosed the exact figure.

Madonna's paternal grandparents came from Pacentro, which is about 100 kilometres south of L'Aquila, the epicentre of Monday's quake.

At least 260 people have died in the devastating disaster. It was the worst quake to hit Italy in three decades.