Venice hit by second worst high tide, mayor declares disaster

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro reportedly will be declaring a state of disaster as the city was hit by the second-highest tide recorded on November 12. The historic basilica and many of the city's square and alleyways have reportedly been flooded and are underwater. According to international media reports Saint Mark's Square was submerged by more than one meter of water and the adjacent Saint Mark's Basilica was flooded for the sixth time in 1,200 years. However, no damage to the Church was reported. 

In a tweet, Luigi Brugnaro said, “It will be a long night. The high water starts to go down. The fear of a few hours ago now leaves room for the first damage count. A tide at 187 cm is a wound that leaves indelible marks. Now the government must listen”.

In another tweet, Brugnaro said, “We will ask for a state of crisis. Citizens and businesses collect material useful for demonstrating damage suffered. In the next few days, we will communicate how to request a contribution”.

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Nurseries and schools closed

In recent days much of Italy has been hit by torrential rains which have led to floods especially in the southern part of the country. In Matera, the rainwater has reportedly flooded the streets and inundated the city's famous cave-dwelling district. Venice's tide forecast official reportedly said that the water level peaked at 1.27 meters Tuesday and further warned than an even higher tide was forecasted for after nightfall. The water invaded cafes and stores and as a precautionary step, the authorities have closed the nursery and schools. The meteorologists have further predicted more heavy rain in the coming week, especially in the northeast. 

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