Venice “80 per cent flooded"

Large parts of the city of Venice are today under water following storms and high tides. Media reports suggest that as much as 80 per cent of the famous city is under water, with residents and tourists being forced to don Wellington boots to make their way around. Elevated walkways have been installed to help people get around but parts of the city – including St Mark’s Square, one of Venice’s lowest points, have been submerged in water up to 40 centimetres deep. According to the online news agency News24, many public transport services have been suspended, with many stores unable to open because of the flooding. As reported by News From Abroad, the city’s authorities have approved plans to combat the threat of flooding by high tides, by installing a series of mobile barriers near the entrance to the Venetian lagoon. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd