Part of Venice Flooded by Biggest Inundation in 50 Years

Landmarks are underwater, and people are getting around in tall boots.

Part of the Italian city of Venice was flooded after the biggest 50 years flood in that time. This is reported by the BBC.

The flood monitoring centre said the water level reached 1.87 metres. Since 1923, when monitoring began, a higher flood had occurred only once — in 1966, when the water level reached 1.94 metres.

Photographs show that popular tourist sites are completely flooded, and people are walking through the streets in tall boots.

St Mark's Square, which is considered one of the lowest parts of the city, has become one of the areas hit hardest by the flood. St Mark's Basilica has been flooded 6 times in 1,200 years. Moreover, 4 of those 6 floods occurred within the last 20 years.

2 people died on the island of Pellestrina. One man was electrocuted when he tried to start a pump in his home, and the second was found dead elsewhere. The mayor of Venice declared a state of disaster and warned that the flood “will leave a lasting mark”.

He also added: “The situation is dramatic. We are asking the government to help us. The cost will be high. This is the result of climate change”. People are forced to move through flooded streets.

A number of establishments and businesses have been affected by the flood. Staff at various shops are trying to carry goods away from the water. 3 buses have already sunk as a result of the disaster. Several boats have also run aground.

Venice has had a flood protection project in place since 2003, but it has been repeatedly criticised due to high costs, scandals and delays. The main goal at present has become building a series of floating gates to protect the city during high tide.