This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/news/442567-venice-under-water-live/

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
75% of Venice under water after unusually high tide strikes famed city (WATCH LIVE) 75% of Venice under water after unusually high tide strikes famed city (VIDEO, PHOTOS)
(about 1 hour later)
Venice's iconic piazzas are covered in water, not pigeons, as three-quarters of the city is submerged following a storm system that brought strong winds, rose water levels, and toppled trees.Venice's iconic piazzas are covered in water, not pigeons, as three-quarters of the city is submerged following a storm system that brought strong winds, rose water levels, and toppled trees.
Water levels rose more than five feet (156cm / 61.4 inches), with photos showing locals and tourists wading their way through it.  Water levels rose more than five feet (156cm / 61.4 inches), with photos showing locals and tourists wading their way through it.  
The peak level of the water on Monday was the highest reached since December 2008, according to city statistics cited by AP.The peak level of the water on Monday was the highest reached since December 2008, according to city statistics cited by AP.
The water levels even exceeded raised walkways in the city which are made for flooded areas, prompting their removal. Most of the city's famous water bus system was also closed down.The water levels even exceeded raised walkways in the city which are made for flooded areas, prompting their removal. Most of the city's famous water bus system was also closed down.
Speaking on Monday, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said a series of underwater barriers would have prevented the rising water levels.Speaking on Monday, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said a series of underwater barriers would have prevented the rising water levels.
That project, dubbed 'Moses,' has been long delayed, with cost overruns and corruption scandals to blame.That project, dubbed 'Moses,' has been long delayed, with cost overruns and corruption scandals to blame.
Brugnaro said he had spoken with Premier Guiseppe Conte to stress the urgency of the Moses project, which would raise barriers when the tide reaches 109 centimeters (43 inches). That happens four times a year in Venice on average.Brugnaro said he had spoken with Premier Guiseppe Conte to stress the urgency of the Moses project, which would raise barriers when the tide reaches 109 centimeters (43 inches). That happens four times a year in Venice on average.
Much of Italy is under flooding alerts following heavy rains on Sunday and Monday, with high winds and toppled trees leading to at least five deaths.Much of Italy is under flooding alerts following heavy rains on Sunday and Monday, with high winds and toppled trees leading to at least five deaths.
Like this story? Share it with a friend!Like this story? Share it with a friend!