Floodwaters in Venice rose to more than 60 inches above average and have submerged major parts of the city. The authorities had to go in for raised makeshift walkways for the tourists and locals. The water inundated many stores and restaurants and the shopkeepers had to remove the water to conduct business.

CNN reports that saltwater could damage sites of historical importance that dot the city of Venice. Some of these are 1000 years old like the marble pavement in front of the altar of the Madonna Nicopeia. This is a 12th-century icon. The Baptistery and the Zen Chapel were also under water while St.

Mark's Square transformed into a lake. Mosaic flooring near the entrance to the basilica had been under water for a long time and this could damage the bronze fittings.

Authorities have assured the people

A representative for the office of Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has said, "everything is under control.” He also informed a section of the media that the city experiences floods about four times a year and the worst was in November 1966 when the water rose to 194 centimeters. Luca Zaia, the governor of the region, has assured that the city has taken necessary preventive measures and added that the present conditions were comparable to that of 1966.

Carlo Alberto Tesserin, head of the board responsible for St. Mark's Basilica, is worried. Bricks have been used to build the structure and the effect of saltwater will be harmful. It could ruin the monument. In his words – “in a single day, the basilica aged 20 years.” A section of meteorologists believes that such flooding is a result of global warming and melting of ice sheets.

Heavy rains batter Italy, leaving 11 dead

BBC adds that heavy rains have created havoc in Italy and 11 people have lost their lives in various incidents that include landslides, falling trees, etcetera. Many schools have closed and some tourist sites have downed their shutters. In the port of Rapallo, the outer breakwater wall crumbled and damaged several prize yachts moored at the resort.

There are reports of storm damage from Rome and Naples. Winds of up to 110 mph have pummelled the areas as two tornadoes struck the coastal town of Terracina. In Venice, the floodwaters submerged large portions of the city and the authorities are worried about possible damage to its ancient structures due to saltwater. The met department has warned that the bad weather will continue and affect essential services like transport and power supplies.
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