Venice Flooding on November 13, 2019

On November 13, 2019, Venice, Italy, experienced its worst flooding in more than 50 years. The water levels reached a peak of 1.87 meters (6.14 feet), marking the highest tide since the infamous flood of 1966, which reached 1.94 meters. This event, known as “acqua alta” (high water), caused extensive damage to the city’s historic sites, infrastructure, and daily life.

Context and Causes

Venice is particularly susceptible to flooding due to its unique geographical location. Built on a series of islands in a lagoon, the city is affected by a combination of high tides, rising sea levels, and subsidence. The flooding on November 13, 2019, was exacerbated by a combination of meteorological factors, including strong winds and heavy rain, which contributed to the exceptionally high tide.

Impact on Venice

• Historic Sites: The floodwaters inundated many of Venice’s iconic landmarks. St. Mark’s Basilica, a symbol of the city, suffered significant damage as water entered the crypt and other areas. The basilica had only been flooded six times in its 1,200-year history, with this event being particularly severe.

• Infrastructure: The flood disrupted transportation and daily activities. Boats, the primary mode of transport in Venice, struggled to navigate the high waters, and many businesses and homes were damaged.

• Economic Consequences: The flooding had a substantial economic impact, affecting tourism, which is a vital part of Venice’s economy. Many hotels and restaurants were forced to close temporarily, and the cost of repairs and restoration was significant.

Broader Historical Significance

The 2019 flooding highlighted the ongoing challenges Venice faces due to climate change and rising sea levels. It underscored the urgency of implementing effective flood defenses. The MOSE project, a system of mobile barriers designed to protect the city from high tides, had been under construction for years but was not yet operational at the time of the flood. The event intensified discussions about the project’s completion and the need for sustainable solutions to protect Venice’s cultural heritage and its residents.

Aftermath

In the wake of the flooding, there was a renewed focus on completing the MOSE project, which was eventually activated in October 2020. The event also sparked global conversations about the impacts of climate change on vulnerable historic cities and the importance of proactive measures to mitigate such risks.

The 2019 flood served as a stark reminder of Venice’s fragility and the broader environmental challenges facing coastal cities worldwide.