Venice, Italy, is currently facing a severe water crisis following record rainfall over the past 48 hours, which has led to widespread flooding across the city. Authorities declared a state of emergency after water levels rose to their highest in a decade.
Impact and Current Situation
Heavy rains began on Sunday and persisted throughout the weekend, saturating Venice’s foundations and canals. By late Monday afternoon, the iconic St. Mark’s Square was submerged under a meter of water. Numerous businesses, including shops and restaurants, have temporarily closed due to flooding.
As of Tuesday morning, water levels reached 150 cm, surpassing the previous record of 145 cm set in November 2019. Emergency teams have been deployed to assist residents and tourists trapped in flooded areas, with boats and water taxis serving as the main transportation method.
Damage and Response
The floods have strained Venice’s infrastructure significantly. Concerns have risen about possible long-term damage to several historic buildings. Power outages in some neighborhoods have further complicated rescue and recovery efforts.
Local officials have appealed for national and international support. Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni visited the city to oversee relief efforts and promised swift government aid for recovery operations.
Causes and Future Measures
Experts link the severe flooding to a mix of unusually heavy rainfall and rising sea levels caused by climate change. Venice’s geography, built on small islands within a lagoon, makes it particularly vulnerable to such events.
The Acqua Alta phenomenon, which causes periodic flooding, has become more severe recently. Although the city invested in the MOSE project—mobile barriers designed to protect against high tides—the system was not fully operational during this flood. Residents expressed frustration about delays in completing these flood defenses and hope this crisis will expedite such projects.
Safety Advisories
Authorities recommend that citizens and visitors monitor official updates and avoid non-essential travel until water levels decrease. Emergency shelters have been established to assist those displaced.
Cleanup operations are ongoing to restore normal life in the affected neighborhoods.
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