Venice floods again: Climate change behind highest tide in 50 years
Dimitris Gr
Severe flooding in Venice
Severe flooding in Venice that has left much of the Italian city underwater is a direct result of climate change, the mayor says.
The highest water levels in the region in more than 50 years would leave “a permanent mark”, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said. “Now the government must listen,” he added. “These are the effects of climate change… the costs will be high.”
Venice’s waters peaked at 1.87m (6ft), according to the tide monitoring center. The tide has been higher only once since official records began in 1923, reaching 1.94m in 1966.
Images showed popular sites left completely flooded and people wading through the streets as Venice was hit by a storm.
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The tourist sites hit by Venice’s floods
Extensive damage has been reported in areas of Venice after severe flooding hit the Italian city this week.
More than 80% of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was underwater when tides hit their highest, leading Mayor Luigi Brugnaro to declare a state of emergency.
Images show roads and famous attractions submerged in floodwaters, and authorities have reported two deaths as a result. It’s not yet clear how badly the city has been damaged.
But Salvano Nastasi, Secretary General of Italy’s culture ministry, told local media that the situation was “extremely complex and worrying” and a crisis unit had been established to assess the impact.
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St Mark’s Square
As one of the lowest parts of the city, St Mark’s Square was hit by some of the worst flooding, and it became submerged in over a meter of water.
Pumps were deployed to drain water from the church and its 12th-century crypt. There are fears of structural damage to the basilica’s columns.
La Fenice Theatre
La Fenice (The Phoenix) is one of the world’s most famous opera houses, dating back to the late 18th Century. The venue has hosted some of the biggest names in opera – from Verdi and Rossini – and it has survived three fires.
Although most of its interior has avoided flooding, water has entered the control room, where its electrical and fire-prevention systems are based.
The Gritti Palace
Images show severe interior flooding inside the Gritti Palace, which is situated along the Grand Canal. Built in 1475, the building was once a private residence and now operates as a luxury hotel.
Famous former guests have included royalty, politicians, and celebrities, from Winston Churchill to Ernest Hemingway.
Ca’ Pesaro Modern Art Gallery
Fire damage has also been reported at the Ca’ Pesaro after an electrical short circuit triggered a blaze. The extent of the damage has not yet been disclosed.
The marble palace, built in the 18th Century, operates as a modern art gallery with a large collection of paintings and sculptures on display. Its upper floors also house the Oriental Art Museum, featuring more than 30,000 objects from Japan, China, and Indonesia.
Vaporetti
The city’s boat-based public transport system has been taken out of operation after several boats, known as vaporetti, were damaged.
Images show some of the water buses banked on public walkways after being swept up by high tides and strong winds. Local media also report gondolas being taken out of service after they were smashed against their moorings.
Pellestrina
Pellestrina, a thin strip of land forming a barrier between the city and the Adriatic Sea, lies along the eastern side of the Venetian Lagoon.
The area has been badly hit by floodwaters, and a local man was electrocuted as he tried to start a pump in his home. A second person was found dead elsewhere on the island.
