Worst floods in half a century prompt state of emergency in Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte issued a state of emergency Thursday amid widespread floods.
The emergency declaration means funds will be set aside to aid disaster recovery.
The flooded crypt of St Mark's Basilica is pictured during an exceptionally high water levels in Venice, Italy November 13, 2019. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri
Venice -- an area vulnerable to high sea levels -- was hit by a large tide Tuesday, sending "apocalyptic" floods into the area, inundating Venice's historic square, basilica, and buildings, Reuters reports.
"Venice is on its knees," city mayor Luigi Brugnaro told the news outlet.
"The damage will run into hundreds of millions of euros."
Venice has also declared a state of emergency, with 80 per cent of the city underwater.
The Mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro walks on St Mark's Square during an exceptionally high water levels in Venice, Italy November 13, 2019. REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri
On November 12, the mayor took to Twitter to blame the flood event on climate change.
The Italian government is in the process of building a complex flood defense system.
The multi-billion-dollar project has been in production since 2003 and has been marred by several delays.
