Venice flood causes ‘serious’ damage two months after flood barriers were introduced

CNN — It was an event that was never meant to happen again. A ‘terrible situation’ The entrance of St Mark's Basilica, which has suffered "serious" damage Photo by ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images St Mark’s Square, one of the lowest parts of the city, was particularly badly hit, with water thigh deep. An inaccurate weather forecast The water almost covered the raised walkways Photo by ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images On Tuesday, the tide level hit 138 centimeters above the average – well above the level at which the barriers should be engaged. Five centimeters can make a huge difference, and cause enormous damage – and that’s what we saw yesterday.” Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst St Mark's Square was impassable Photo by ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images In October, Sebastian Fagarazzi, co-founder of Venezia Autentica, a social initiative working to transform the impact of tourism, called the activation of the flood barriers “historic”. Venetians have to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.” ‘We couldn’t handle another’ Shops were closed as people struggled to navigate the city Photo by ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images Valeria Duflot, Venezia Autentica co-founder, agrees.