Flooding reached historic levels in Venice today leading to rain-soaked tourists being asked to leave the historic St Mark’s Square, as large swathes of Italy experienced heavy winds and flooding, leaving at least five people dead.
Tourists were barred from the sodden area by the authorities after the ‘acqua alta’ (high water) peaked at more than 5ft (61 inches) by the afternoon- something that has only happened five times in recorded history.
Veneto regional governor Luca Zaia says flooding this week could reach the levels of the 1966 flood that struck Venice and devastated Florence’s historic centre.
He added: ‘All of Veneto is in code red alarm for this wave of bad weather.’
A couple walk in the flooded St Mark Square during a period of seasonal high water in Venice. Veneto regional governor Luca Zaia says flooding this week could reach the levels of the 1966 flood that struck Venice and devastated Florence’s historic centre
These two tourists are not going to let a bit of wet weather ruin their holiday as they walk through the ‘Piazza San Marco’ today
A woman walks in a flooded street of Venice where authorities estimate 70 per cent of the lagoon city has been flooded by waters rising
People carry luggage over their head and wear wellies and other waterproofs in Venice today as flood water reaches an historic high
Nearly all of northern Italy was on alert due to the storms, with wind gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour and rainfall in some places equivalent to the amount that falls over several months.
With high winds toppled trees that killed passers-by in four incidents in Naples, Lazio and Liguria.
In Venice elevated wooden platforms usually placed on main passageways in the Renaissance city were not high enough to ensure safe passage in the low-lying square.
Tourists wait to take a water taxi in Venice, Italy. Schools and hospitals of Venice remained closed the authorities have also advised citizens against leaving their homes
People walk in the flooded St Mark Square during a period of seasonal high water in Venice, Italy. Strong winds and rain have battered the country
Tourists still taking the gondola in spite of the heavy downpours that have afflicted the city. Schools and hospitals in Venice have remained closed today and people are being advised not to leave their homes
Families carried children on their shoulders through the surrounding streets, as schools as hospitals were closed throughout the city and people were advised not to leave their homes.
While some tourists donned thigh-high wellies, others had opted to take off their shoes and wade through the water, carrying their luggage on their head.
Authorities estimated 70 per cent of the lagoon city had been flooded by rising waters today.
The Interior Ministry urged officials in storm-struck regions, about half of the country, to consider closing schools and offices for a second day Tuesday.
Marathon runners were forced to wade through ankle-deep water in Venice after high tides flooded the city yesterday
Yesterday marathon runners were forced to wade through ankle-deep water in Venice after high tides flooded the city yesterday.
Proving their commitment to long-distance run instead of shying away from the problematic conditions, the runners persisted with the marathon.
Footage from the day shows runners plodding on through the flooded town as the water splashed up against their running shorts.
Onlookers came more prepared for the sticky situation, donning wellingtons and water-proof ponchos as they spectated the marathon-turned-swimming race.
Proving their commitment to long-distance run instead of shying away from the problematic conditions, the runners persisted with the marathon
One of the runners partaking in the race quipped that he should have ‘hired a gondola’, instead of trying to battle the floods.
Onlookers said that the conditions, which were caused by the high tide known as acqua alta from the Northern Adriatic Sea, were ‘insane’.
Venice city officials said 70 per cent of the lagoon city has been flooded by waters rising 58 inches above sea level.
Footage from the day shows runners plodding on through the flooded town as the water splashed up against their running shorts
Onlookers said that the conditions, which were caused by the high tide known as acqua alta from the Northern Adriatic Sea, were ‘insane’
The city frequently floods when high winds push in water from the lagoon, but today’s levels are exceptional and forecast to rise even higher, to nearly 63 inches by mid-afternoon.
The current level is the highest reached since November 2012, according to Venice statistics.
Much of Italy is under alert for flooding from heavy rains, a problem exacerbated by a lack of maintenance on river beds.
One man appeared unfazed by the conditions as he sat back in a chair amid the flood
Veneto regional governor Luca Zaia says flooding could reach the levels of the 1966 flood that inundated both Venice and Florence.
Overcoming the tricky weather Ethiopia’s Mekuant Ayenew Gebre finished first in the marathon with a time of 2.13.22.
Angela Jemesunde Tanui of Kenya took the win in 2:31:30 in the women’s race.
Those visiting the city wrapped up in big coats and protected their footwear with plastic covering
People still enjoyed the sights of the stunning city despite the problematic conditions
Water flooded over the side of the canal and gushed onto the pavements of Venice
Undeterred by the knee-deep water tourists waded through
Venice city officials said 70 per cent of the lagoon city has been flooded by waters rising 58 inches above sea level
The city frequently floods when high winds push in water from the lagoon, but today’s levels are exceptional and forecast to rise even higher, to nearly 63 inches by mid-afternoon