Venice floods turn deadly, devastate tourist spots

Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region has declared a state of emergency after a massive a 1.8-metre flood devastated the tourist hotspot and killed at least two people. An estimated 85 per cent of the city is underwater, sparking concerns over damage to ancient mosaics and artworks. Saint Mark’s Square was submerged by more than one metre of water, while the adjacent Saint Mark’s Basilica was flooded for only the sixth time in 1200 years – sparking fears for millions of dollars’ worth of artwork. The city’s Mayor has blamed climate change for the ‘dramatic situation’.