The floods in Venice that have killed two people and damaged hundreds of buildings including St Mark’s Basilica appear inexorable. The city is a fragile treasure built on 118 islands off Italy’s northeast coast. In a way, it’s a miracle that Venice has managed to survive and thrive for more than 1,000 years. A state of emergency was declared in Venice over dangerously high tides that invaded cafes, stores and other businesses Tuesday. The water level hit 6.14 feet, according to the city’s tide forecast office. The high tides reached the second-highest level ever recorded in the city and just 2½ inches lower than the historic 1966 flood.
Sirens sounded to warn people in Venice of the rising water, or “acqua alta,” and authorities closed nursery schools as a precaution. Another round of exceptionally high water followed Wednesday and prompted calls to better protect the historic city from costly damage.
A top tourist attraction, the Ducal Palace, just off St. Mark’s Square, tweeted that it was open “despite the exceptional tide,” and advised visitors to use the raised walkways leading to its entrance.
State of emergency declared in Ital’s Venice over dangerously high tides, floods
