Floods in Venice have killed two people after the waters rose to exceptional levels, prompting the Italian government to declare a state of emergency in the city. "The cabinet declared a state of emergency in Venice and spent 20 million euros for the most urgent interventions," Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte wrote on his Twitter page.
Italy's ANSA news agency said the flood damage had sparked controversy over the effectiveness of the flood barrier system after decades of work and billions of euros of investment.
"We have a complete commitment to Venice," Conte said. The situation is tragic in this unique city. "A lot of money has been spent."
Italy was ravaged by a wave of bad weather, which led to a rise in water levels to 1.27 meters in Venice, where flooded and flooded most of the city, especially the Church of St. Mark. The water has risen to levels from 100 to 120 centimeters above sea level, although the city is well equipped to deal with rising water levels.
The floodwaters that swept the city of Venice prompted Mayor Luigi Bruniaro to close down the famous Piazza San Marco.