More Proof of Sea Level Rise? Venice Hit by Worst Flood for 20 Years

Flooding has been a fact of life in Venice, Italy for over 700 years. However, the frequency and severity of the floods is increasing steadily.

• » See also: #4 Copenhagen, Denmark: Great Bicycle City Photo Tour
• » Get EcoWorldly by RSS or sign up by email.

Floods have been recorded in Venice since the 13th Century. However they are becoming more frequent and more severe as global sea levels begin to rise. The highest flooding event recorded in Venice was in 1966 when waters rose to 193cm (76 inches). Yesterday the waters rose to 156cm (61 inches). They are also becoming more frequent. In 1900 Saint Marks Square, the lowest point in the city, flooded approximately 10 times per year. Today however this has risen to more than 60 times per year. Usually the city forecasts these events and installs wooden walkways to enable people to get around. Yesterdays flood however was so high that it would have swamped these temporary boardwalks.

Venice has been suffering a dual attack. Not only has the water been rising but the city has been sinking by about 10cm (4 inches) a year. Saving the city has been a priority of the Italian Government since they passed laws in 1973 to try and safeguard the lagoon and the city. They have been investing in a 4.1 billion euro flood defence system but this will not be ready until 2011. The city is built upon a series of islands within a lagoon with three openings to the Adriatic Sea. The flood defence plan entails building gates that are to be raised into place when a flood event is forecast.

With so much culture Venice attracts around 16 million tourists a year. If you decide to visit this historic city then do it soon - and don’t forget your rubber boots.

Video credit: Z0RR0977 at YouTube

Tweet This Post