Several areas in northern Italy have been placed on a red alert due to heavy rain and gale-force winds. Venice is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history, with up to 751,000 square meters of the city's streets flooded yesterday. The water level reached 156 centimeters above sea level.
According to Interfax, St. Mark's Square was closed to the public, and gondola service on the canals was suspended. The flooding damaged St. Mark's Basilica, which reached 90 centimeters of water. The flooding damaged marble columns, mosaic floors, and bronze door panels.
Tourists are moving around the city in high rubber boots. Videos of travelers showing life in the flooded city are circulating on social media. For example, waiters in boots continue to serve customers at restaurants despite a foot of water on the floors.
Local authorities believe the damage from the flood is "enormous." The full extent of the losses will be assessed once the waters recede from Venice's streets.
Source: travel.ru