The Italian government announced on the 14th that the flooded city of Venice entered a state of emergency and allocated 20 million euros (about 150 million yuan) of emergency assistance funds for the 'water city'. Venice suffered the second worst flood on record on the 12th. Many tourist attractions closed their doors to thank visitors. Historical buildings were eroded by the flood and suffered serious economic losses.
[government assistance]
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe sdot; Conte said that the cabinet meeting approved Venice's request for a state of emergency and ordered the allocation of 20 million euros (150 million yuan) of emergency assistance funds. Residents whose houses are damaged can apply for subsidies of up to 5000 euros (39000 yuan), and merchants such as shops and restaurants can apply for subsidies of up to 20000 euros (154000 yuan).
Conte compared the flood in Venice to 'hitting the heart of Italy', and observed the disaster on the night of the 13th.
Venice was hit by floods due to rainstorms and tides on the 12th. The water level reached 187cm that night, second only to the 194cm record set in 1966. Mayor Luigi & sdot; Bruniaro estimated that Venice suffered hundreds of millions of euros in losses. He blamed the flood on global warming and called on the 'Moses project' previously delayed to be completed as soon as possible.
The Italian government has built the 'Moses project' since 2003, with a cost of 5.5 billion euros (42.49 billion yuan), and built 78 huge gates at the three entrances of the Venice lagoon. When the sea water rises to a certain height, the gate rises to prevent the sea water from entering the lagoon.
Due to excessive budget, corruption and other reasons, the 'Moses project' was once postponed. Associated press with Paula, Minister of infrastructure and transportation & sdot; Demikelly reported that 93% of the project has been completed and is expected to be completed in 2021.
[citizens are helpless]
The water level in Venice fell to 113 cm on the morning of the 14th and is expected to reach 145 cm on the 15th. In addition, northern Italy will receive heavy rainfall in the next few days.
Many museums in Venice closed on the 14th; St. Mark's Cathedral was not spared, and the basement flooded. The Italian government is assessing the extent of damage to Venice's cultural monuments.
Venice has a population of more than 50000 and receives an average of 36 million tourists a year. The United Nations Educational, scientific and Cultural Organization listed the city and lagoon on the world heritage list in 1987.
A hotel in Venice called 'Leon's house' said that due to the global media's extensive coverage of the flood, tourists who originally planned to come to Venice were deterred and cancelled their room reservations one after another.
Citizen Enzio & sdot; Tofludi told the German news agency that he had never seen a similar scene, and many shops and supermarkets near the grand canal were particularly damaged.
He said that the disaster was like a war, 'very bad'.