Winds buffeting Italy flood Venice, six killed

MILAN — Venice was inundated by an exceptionally high tide on Monday, putting three-quarters of the Italian lagoon city under water as large swathes of the country experienced flooding and heavy winds that toppled trees and other objects, killing six people.

Tourists and residents donned high boots to navigate the streets of Venice after strong winds raised the water level nearly five feet. The water exceeded the raised walkways normally put out in flooded areas in Venice. Transport officials closed the water bus system, except to outlying islands, because of the emergency.

Venice frequently floods when high winds push in water from the lagoon, but Monday’s levels were exceptional. It was the highest reached since December 2008, according to Venice statistics.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said underwater barriers that are being erected in the lagoon would have prevented the inundation. The project, nicknamed Moses, is long overdue, beset by cost overruns and corruption scandals.

Much of Italy is under alert for flooding from heavy rains, a problem exacerbated by a lack of maintenance of the country’s many river beds. High winds toppled trees that killed passersby in four incidents in Naples, Lazio and Liguria.

Officials closed major tourist attractions in Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, early because of heavy rains.

The Interior Ministry urged officials in storm-struck regions, about half of the country, to consider closing schools and offices for a second day today.

ANSA VIA AP A woman walks in a flooded street of Venice, Italy, on Monday. According to officials, 70 per cent of the lagoon city is flooded by waters that have risen nearly five feet above sea level and are forecast to rise higher.