Post flood, Italy declares state of emergency in Venice

The Italian government has declared a state of emergency in Venice post worst flooding in city in over 50 years.

Waters are rising in Venice where the tide is reaching exceptional levels just three days after the Italian lagoon city experienced its worst flooding in more than 50 years. (Photo | AP) 

The high tide Friday is projected to peak at 1.60 meters (more than 5 feet) which is far beyond normal levels. The iconic St. Mark’s Square was covered in knee-high water in the morning. (Photo | AP)

The city saw the second-worst flooding on record late Tuesday when the water level reached 1.87 meters (more than 6 feet) above sea level, prompting the Italian government to declare a state of emergency. (Photo | AP)

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the cabinet had approved the state of emergency and ordered the immediate release of 20 million euros ($22 million) in funds for 'the most urgent interventions' in the devastated city after Tuesday's flooding. (Photo | AP)

Despite the emergency, tourists larked around in the flooded St Mark's Square in the sunshine, snapping selfies in their neon plastic boots and taking advantage of a respite in bad weather which has driven the high tides. (Photo | AP)

Municipality workers carry wooden boards to create a trestle bridge in a flooded St. Mark's Square at Venice. (Photo | AP)