Major Floods Hit Venice: City Battles Rising Waters and Infrastructure Damage

Venice, Italy, experienced severe flooding on April 25, 2024, when high tides, known locally as acqua alta, surged to 160 cm above usual sea levels. This flood exceeded average yearly floods, posing significant threats to the city’s canals, historic buildings, and daily life.

Emergency Response and Impact

Authorities swiftly declared a state of emergency as St. Mark’s Square flooded under approximately 1.5 feet of water by early morning. Most shops and tourist sites closed, and residents and tourists relied on elevated walkways to navigate the submerged streets.

Causes of the Flooding

The flood resulted from a combination of:

• Strong winds in the Adriatic Sea
• A high spring tide
• Ongoing climate change effects contributing to rising sea levels

Experts warn that without intensified mitigation, such floods could become more frequent and severe.

Emergency Services and Infrastructure

• Rescue teams helped evacuate vulnerable populations, including the elderly and disabled.
• Temporary shelters opened in elevated city areas.
• Transportation disruption occurred, with water buses suspending routes and gondolas remaining docked for safety; however, nearby airport operations continued.
• The iconic Rialto Bridge suffered minor damage, with engineers assessing the city’s infrastructure for safety.
• Museums and churches temporarily closed as precautions.

Flood Defense and Economic Impact

The city government is reviewing the MoSE barrier project, intended to protect Venice during major floods, which faced technical challenges during this event. The flooding has significantly affected the tourism sector, increasing cancellations and causing financial strain on local businesses due to potential property damage risks.

Future Considerations

Experts stress the importance of enhanced investments in:

1. Resilient infrastructure
2. Environmental policies

to safeguard Venice’s unique cultural heritage and its residents against future flooding events.

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