Historic center of Venice flooded

International Herald Tribune ^ | 12/01/08

[Oyarsa]

Historic center of Venice flooded

The Associated Press Monday, December 1, 2008

VENICE, Italy: Venice could use a bailout. The city built on water has too much of it.

Residents and tourists waded through knee-deep water Monday as they navigated the city's narrow streets and alleys, and its historic St. Mark's Square was inundated. Boxes of tourist merchandise floated inside the flooded shops around the square and even the city's famed pigeons sought refuge on rooftops and windowsills.

One of the highest tides in its history brought Venice to a virtual halt, rekindling a debate over a plan to build moveable flood barriers in an effort to save the lagoon city from high tides.

City officials said the tide peaked at 61 inches (156 centimeters), well past the 40-inch (110-centimeter) flood mark, as strong winds pushed the sea into the city.

Alarms went off at 6:37 a.m. to alert citizens, but many residents were taken by surprise because authorities had initially not forecast such a high water level.

[Izzy Dunne]

Lemme guess: Global Warming Global Cooling Climate change is to blame somehow.

[devane617]

if you live close to the water...you will live in the water once in a while

[raybbr]

Isn’t Venice always flooded?

[Izzy Dunne]

many residents were taken by surprise because authorities had initially not forecast such a high water level.

Perhaps they need a better grade of "authorities".

[Sig Sauer P220]

I thought they flooded every winter. Venice is sinking anyway. Beautiful place though.

[Desdemona]

:( One of my favorite places. This is worse flooding than it’s been since the water table was pumped from underneath it, which caused it to drop a foot. It’s going to be a mess to clean up, but I’ll back.

[RoadKingSE]

Here he comes to save the day. Mighty Messiah is on his way.

[Desdemona]

I thought they flooded every winter.

Not like this. This flood was caused by massive storms in the Adriatic Sea. Sort of like the 100-year and 500-year floods we get here.

Venice is sinking anyway.

Not anymore. They finally figured out that the fresh water being pumped for the mainland was coming from underneath of it, so Italy went to a different source.

[CarWashMan]

Let me be the first to say

BUSH’S FAULT

[HIDEK6]

Isn’t it kind of stupid to build a city below sea level?

[captnorb]

Like New Oleans?

[Ann Archy]

No, Venice is not always flooded. It is the most beautiful city.

[Uri’el-2012]

I thought they flooded every winter. Venice is sinking anyway. Beautiful place though

It did every year when I lived in Vicenza.

[Cronos]

The marshes were colonised by the Romans escaping the Lombards, etc. So it wasn’t really their intention or chosen place

[Hatteras]

Isn’t that what makes Venice historic?

[Hatteras]

Damn melting icebergs...

[Jmouse007]

Not "Mighty Messiah"

This is "OBAMESSIAH"! See the big "O" on his chest?

[ctdonath2]

many residents were taken by surprise because authorities had initially not forecast such a high water level.

Why is it that people who live on the coast and below sea level are surprised when they get wet?

[Constitution Day]

LOL! I believe you have a point.