Venice flooded from rising tides and rain, reaching historic levels

The mayor of Venice declared a state of emergency as six feet of water swept through the low-lying Italian city, the second highest flood in the city’s history.

The surge in water left homes barricaded and streets flooded as residents and tourists waded through knee-high water. The city’s famous Piazza San Marco was flooded by more than three feet of water, according to Italian news agency ANSA, and the water level could rise to as much as five feet. “Venice is on its knees,” the city’s mayor said on Twitter Wednesday. Local officials say more water is expected after strong winds combined with high tides due to rainstorms caused the historic flood. The scenes from around the ancient city are jaw-dropping: 

Pictures of the historic city showed many iconic places, such as Saint Mark's Square and Saint Mark's Basilica, underwater.

It is the sixth time in 1,200 years that the basilica has been flooded, with four of those incidents happening in the last two decades.

Meanwhile, tourists were pictured wading through knee-deep water along the city's most popular routes, while others braved the flooding to sit outside the city's famous cafes.

"A tide at 187 cm is a wound that leaves indelible marks. Now the government must listen to Venezia." Brugano wrote in a later post.

The mayor is due to give a press conference at midday CET on Wednesday, where he says he will declare a state of disaster.

In the meantime, Venetians and local business owners have been asked to take a record of all the damages to their homes and businesses as a plan of action is written up.

Source: euronews.com