Heartbreaking Photos Show Venice Underwater After Massive Flood
Venice hit by massive flood on November 12, 2019 and now more than 85% of the city is underwater
Venice, Italy is facing its worst flood in 50 years and now the beautiful and historic city is under more than six feet of water. The strong winds and water overwhelmed the seawalls and water rushed into the city. So far, one person has died and famous landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and La Fenice Opera House are underwater. According to Italian news agency ANSA, the city is more than 85% flooded.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro did not mince words and stated on Twitter that the flooding is a direct effect of climate change and added to CBC News, “We need everybody to help. We must be united to face what are clearly the effects of climate change.” In addition to the flood and water damage, a fire broke out at the Ca’ Pesaro museum due to an electrical malfunction. The mayor also that the city is in a state of emergency and he’s asked Italy’s government for help.
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Photos of the damage show entire brick walls destroyed by the water and large boats washed ashore. “The damage to the city is huge,” Brugnaro continued.
As for the historic St. Mark’s Basilica, the famous cathedral is underwater and Pierpaolo Campostrini, a member of the management board at the Basilica, told ANSA that they fear the water may have damaged the building’s support columns.
“The water got into the basilica, it flooded the floor, broke windows and entered the crypt,” Campostrini said. “It is dangerous, not so much because of what is contained in there, but because the water could have caused problems for the columns that hold up the basilica.”
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Brugnaro estimates that the flood racked up several hundred million euros in damages across the city.
“We are faced with total, apocalyptic devastation,” Veneto Governor Luca Zaia reportedly told Mediaset television (via ANSA). “I’m not exaggerating; 80% of the city is under water, the damage is unimaginable.”
Social media footage shows literal waves rushing through the canals and people wading in pools of water through San Marco Square.
Representatives from the Italian government are expected to arrive in Venice on Wednesday, November 13 to assess the damages.
