Major Floods Hit Venice: City Authorities Declare State of Emergency

Venice, Italy, is currently experiencing major flooding following heavy rains and exceptionally high tides, prompting city authorities to declare a state of emergency on Thursday. This severe flood has impacted numerous parts of the historic city, including key tourist locations and residential areas.

Flooding Details and Impact

The flooding began late Wednesday night when acqua alta (high water) exceeded 140 centimeters, marking one of the highest tide levels seen in the last decade. Significant areas such as the famous St. Mark’s Square were submerged, leading to disruption in daily activities and traffic flow.

Causes of Flooding

City officials explained that the flooding resulted from a combination of:

• Strong winds
• Heavy rainfall
• The natural tidal movements of the Adriatic Sea

Meteorologists have forecasted more rain in the next 48 hours, which could exacerbate the flooding.

Emergency Response Efforts

Local authorities have taken several measures to address the crisis:

1. Mobilizing emergency response teams to assist those affected.
2. Deploying temporary barriers and water pumps to reduce water damage.
3. Opening shelters for residents needing evacuation.

Transportation and Economic Impact

The city’s renowned canals and transport systems have been significantly affected. Vaporetto water bus services have been suspended on some routes, and many smaller boats have been damaged or grounded. Businesses, particularly shops and restaurants near the waterfront, have experienced a decline in activity due to adverse weather conditions.

Official Statements and Future Concerns

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging everyone to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. He reassured that efforts to safeguard Venice and its residents are ongoing around the clock.

This flooding highlights Venice’s vulnerability to rising sea levels and climate change. While the city has invested in the MOSE project—a system of movable barriers designed to protect against flooding—it is still in the testing and partial operation phase.

Environmental organizations are calling for stronger actions to combat climate change and protect Venice’s invaluable environment and cultural heritage.

For ongoing updates, stay connected with Questiqa Europe News.

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