Stunning scenes as Venice becomes partially submerged by tides
The low-lying Italian city of Venice was partly submerged in water on Wednesday after being hit with the highest tide in over 50 years.
The mayor of the city said the incident would leave “indelible marks”.
Photographs shared to social media showed boats that made their way onto land as water was overflowing from hotels and cafes.
One of the city’s most popular tourist destination, St Mark’s Square was knee-high in water, forcing the usually hustling and bustling spot to be eerily empty.
The event is known as “acqua alta”, and usually occurs after days of wet weather around the country. City authorities said the water level in Venice had peaked at 1.87 meters, or just over six feet.
That’s second to a record flood that occurred in 1966.
One city hall official, Claudio Madricardo told the Washington Post that he was stuck at home because the water levels were higher than his boots.
“For months now, I have been thinking I should sell my home and leave, because the assets I’d leave to my son one day won’t be worth much of anything,” he said. “Nobody will want a house in Venice, because the situation will be a disaster.”
According to Italian news agency ANSA, two people have been killed on the small barrier island of Pellestrina, including a 78-year-old who was electrocuted while attempting to repair something in his flooded home.
The other death could have been related to natural causes.
Scroll through the gallery to see Venice under water.
Photo credit: Instagram @aquaapartments