Venice suffering worst floods for 20 years
Venice suffering worst floods for 20 years
Venice is experiencing its worst flooding in 20 years. Many of the city's streets are submerged after water levels exceeded the 110cm flood mark. The city's mayor has advised tourists not to visit until the waters have receded.
A new siren system was sounded this morning, alerting residents and tourists that
water levels in
Venice were about to exceed 140cm, reports The Guardian. Meanwhile, levels are thought to have reached 156cm.
In total up to 40 per cent of Venice's historic
landmarks, including St Mark's Square, have been affected by the flooding, according to
Italian news agency ANSA.
Raised
wooden walkways are normally installed in such situations, but on this occasion heavy rain led to the water levels rising too quickly and too far.
A flood barrier for the city is currently under construction, but has been hit by funding shortfalls in recent years. The
Mose flood barrier system is expected to be completed by 2011.
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