Venice was in a state of
crisis on Wednesday due to huge flooding after the high-water
mark reached 187cm late on Tuesday, close to the level of the
famous 1966 flood.
"Venice is on its knees," Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said
via Twitter.
"St Mark's Basilica has suffered serious damage, like the
whole city and the islands... We need everyone's help to get
through the next few days that are putting us to the test.".
A 78-year-old man was electrocuted due a short circuit,
apparently linked to the flooding, at his home on the island of
Pellestrina.
Another person also died during the flooding on the lagoon
island, although in his case it may have been natural causes.
There is massive damage.
Three barges sank, while gondolas and other boats were
stripped from their moorings.
A fire broke our at the Ca' Pesaro museum because of an
electrical malfunction.
Almost all the city is flooded, even though the acqua alta
came down to around 150cm on Wednesday.
Brugnaro said the council was asking central government to
declare the city to be in a state of emergency and told local
people and businesses to collect photographic and video evidence
of the damage suffered for compensation claims.
"We are faced with total, apocalyptic devastation," Veneto
Governor Luca Zaia told Mediaset television.
"I'm not exaggerating; 80% of the city is under water, the
damage is unimaginable".
Venice's La Fenice has been temporarily put out of action
too.
Although the theatre itself is not flooded, water has entered
an auxiliary area affecting the electrical and fire-prevention
systems.
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