In recent days, Venice, Italy and its adjacent islands have suffered rainstorms and strong winds. Venice, the 'water city', has suffered the most serious flood tide in more than half a century. 85% of the whole city has been submerged, with a maximum water level of 187 cm. At present, extreme weather has killed at least two people.
[at least 2 deaths caused by torrential rain in recent days' water city 'Venice is urgent]
According to reports, the Venice tide monitoring center said that late on the 12th, the flood alarm rang through Venice, and the local maximum water level reached 187 cm, which means that 85% of Venice is submerged under the water. It is reported that this is the second highest water level in Venice since records began, second only to 194cm in 1966.
The weather forecast shows that Italy will still face bad weather in the next few days. Officials expect the highest water level in Venice on the morning of the 13th to reach 160 cm.
At present, the 'high water level' has caused serious damage to Venice. The flood has killed at least two people in nearby areas. Almost all historical centers in the city were flooded. Schools have also been closed and citizens have been asked not to leave home. Telephone communication was interrupted.
The Venetian government called on merchants and houses to take flood control measures and sought the central government to issue an emergency order.
[flood inundates streets and historic sites]
Affected by the severe flood, Venice's historic sites may be damaged.
It is reported that St. Mark's Square is one of the lowest places in Venice. Strong winds set off huge waves here, and the famous St. Mark's Cathedral on the square was also invaded by floods. This is the sixth time since the church was built in 828 and the fourth time in nearly 20 years that the church has been flooded, and the density has increased significantly compared with the past. At present, it is uncertain whether the works of art and antiques in the church are damaged.
On November 13 local time, Venice, Italy's' water city ', suffered the second worst flood on record, and the flood poured into St. Mark's church.
In addition, other locations in Venice were also affected by floods. Many streets were knee deep, restaurant tables and chairs were washed away, and many ships and water buses ran aground; Some fashion shops stack their clothes on the shelves to prevent them from being damaged by the flood.
The Venetian authorities built temporary floating bridges on the main roads, and residents and tourists with suitcases came in and out in a panic. As the steps at the gate of many hotels were washed away, some tourists had to climb the window to stay in the hotel, some floating bridges capsized in the flood, and some people even had to swim to their destination.
In this regard, many tourists described the situation as shocking, and even local residents were angry.
Bruckner, a 58 year old German tourist, said it was shocking that Venice was flooded overnight. He was worried that if the situation continued to deteriorate, Venice would eventually sink. Coralin, a 59 year old Venetian resident, also said that the water level rose incredibly fast, the windows were destroyed and some residents' lost all their property '.
[the frequency of abnormal floods is accelerated, and the mayor urges the completion of flood control facilities as soon as possible]
It is reported that Venice mayor bruniaro wrote on social media: "we are facing a higher tide than expected and have mobilized all units to deal with this emergency." He said that Venice would be declared a 'disaster state', and pointed out that as the water level began to fall, the flood disaster would be evaluated.
Bruniaro attributed the abnormal flood to climate change, saying that this situation will leave 'a permanent wound mark'.
Bruniaro also called for the speedy completion of the long delayed submarine barrier construction project. Venice has been promoting the movable seabed barrier project called 'Moses' since 2003, hoping to build 78 floating gates to prevent floods from being pushed into Venice by the south wind at high tide.
However, due to the cost overrun dispute and corruption scandal, the project has been shelved for a long time and the completion date has not been determined so far.
Venice is not the only city suffering from floods. Strong rainstorms hit the whole of Italy on the 12th, causing heavy damage to the southern region. According to the data of Italy's National Meteorological Administration, schools in Taranto, bourdisi, Mateira in the South and the Sicilian cities of pozalo and Noto have announced the closure of classes. In Matela, the 'capital of European culture', large areas were flooded, tornadoes knocked down trees and lamp posts, and many buildings were damaged.