Major Floods Hit Venice: Thousands Evacuated as Water Levels Reach Record Highs

Severe flooding has hit Venice, Italy, with water levels in the city’s canals reaching a record high of 1.87 meters, the highest since 2019. The surge of water has forced the evacuation of more than 5,000 residents as large parts of the historic city, including the iconic St. Mark’s Square, remain submerged.

Authorities declared a state of emergency, and emergency services such as firefighters and the Italian Civil Protection Agency are actively engaged in rescue operations and providing relief. However, power outages have complicated these efforts.

Causes and Impact

Experts point to a mix of heavy rainfall and high tides, worsened by climate change, as the cause of the flooding. The increasingly frequent phenomenon known as acqua alta threatens both Venice’s cultural heritage and daily life.

Significant damage has been sustained by landmark sites, including:

• St. Mark’s Basilica
• Doge’s Palace

Protection measures include:

1. Deployment of water barriers
2. Rapid drying techniques
3. Acceleration of the MOSE project, a system of mobile barriers to protect the city from tides

Economic and Social Concerns

Residents and business owners have expressed worries about the economic impact, with disruptions affecting shops, restaurants, and hotels. The tourism sector, critical to Venice’s economy, faces severe challenges due to damage and limited access.

Authorities advise residents and visitors to stay informed through official channels and avoid travel in flooded areas, especially as more rain and high tides are forecasted in the coming days.

Looking Forward

This flooding event underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions and international cooperation to protect Venice’s unique character and heritage from future climate threats.

For ongoing coverage, stay tuned to Questiqa Europe News for the latest updates.

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