The New Zealand Herald

Venice knee-deep in wet weather

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Venice has been inundated by an exceptiona­l high tide, putting three-quarters of the famed Italian lagoon city under water as large swathes of the rest of Italy experience­d flooding and heavy winds that toppled trees and other objects, killing six people.

Tourists and residents alike donned high boots to navigate the streets of Venice after strong winds raised the water level 156cm before receding yesterday. The water exceeded the raised walkways normally put out in flooded areas in Venice, forcing their removal. 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 yesterday’s levels were exceptiona­l. The peak level was the highest reached since December 2008, according to Venice statistics.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said a series of 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.

Brugnaro said he had asked to talk with Premier Giuseppe Conte to underline the urgency of the project, which would raise barriers when the tide reaches 109cm. That happens, on average, four times a year in Venice.

Residents and businesses typically reinforce their doors with metal or wooden panels to prevent water from entering the bottom floors, but photos on social media showed shop owners using water pumps this time to try to protect their wares.

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 people in Naples, Lazio and Liguria.

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

 ?? Photo / AP ?? Tourists weren’t going to let the flooding stop them exploring the city.
Photo / AP Tourists weren’t going to let the flooding stop them exploring the city.

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