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Locals Still Serve Pizza As Venice Suffers Worse Flooding In Years

Locals Still Serve Pizza As Venice Suffers Worse Flooding In Years

Participants in yesterday's Venice marathon could have used a gondola.

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Reckon the weather in the UK has been a bit rubbish for the past few days? Well, just be glad that you don't live in Venice.

The famous island city in Northern Italy has been hit by high tides, which have meant a larger portion of the city than usual is underwater.

In fact, some reports suggest that as much as 70 percent of the city is flooded underneath the water, which has risen by just shy of a metre and a half (149cm).

PA

This, in itself, is not unusual. Part of the deal with Venice is that it is very susceptible to flooding when high winds force more water into the lagoon. However, this amount of flooding is anything but usual, and it looks like it might be about to get worse.

Large parts of Italy are currently on alert for flooding following heavy rain. More is forecast, and lack of essential maintenance to river beds has made the likelihood of serious flooding increase.

Despite that, the Venice marathon took place on Sunday under bizarre conditions. Runners were forced to complete the 26.2 mile run with large portions of it being underneath ankle deep water.

The flooding is caused by a tide that is known as 'acqua alta' - literally translated as 'high water' - that comes from the Northern Adriatic Sea.

PA

There have long been concerns about the effects of climate change on the historic city of Venice. Protests have also been made against cruise ships that sail down the Grand Canal causing damage.

One journalist posted photos of the flooding to Twitter and said: "Today's tidal flooding in Venice hit 120cm and looked like this. Tomorrow is predicted at 150. This is not normal."

Tourists were not allowed into the popular St Mark's Square following the rise in water. Many were also unable to explore the city as normal, and the public transport boats (Vaporetti) were also cancelled.

Thankfully, though, it seems there's one thing that the flooding hasn't affected: pizza.

That's right, the Italians in Venice are so proud of their pizza that they're not letting a bit of flooding stop them. Some heroes don't wear capes... Some are carrying trays of pizza over to your table in wellies.

In the whole of recorded history, flooding this high has only occurred five times. Back in 1966 the centre of Florence was devastated by flooding of this kind. On that occasion, the water in Venice rose to around 194cm.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Marathon, News, Europe, flooding, Italy