Three of the city’s ten worst floods since records began 100 years ago occurred in one week this November
Highest acqua alta in Venice for 50 years
Living with the rise and fall of the tides has always been part of the Venetian way of life, but on the night of the 12th of November the entire lagoon was beset by the highest waters since the acqua granda of 1966. The waters peaked at 187cm, affecting 85 per cent of the city, submerging local businesses, churches and palazzi, and leaving two people dead. What was more damaging on this terrible night was the speed and force of the flood waters, and the violence of the winds whipping up the waves and causing more destruction. The islands of the lagoon also suffered, with huge losses for the communities of Pellestrina, Burano and Murano, while on the island of Mazzorbo the recently restored vineyards of the rare Venetian grape Dorona were completely submerged by the salty waters. After five days of high waters, the authorities in Venice declared a state of emergency. To find out more, and how you can help with the restoration, turn to page 52.