After Venice in November 2019 experienced the second-worst flood in its history, it was inundated with four more exceptional tides within six weeks, shocking Venetians and triggering fears about the worsening effects of climate change.
The repeated invasion of brackish lagoon water into St Mark’s Basilica this summer is a quiet reminder that the threat has not receded.
“I can only say that in August, a month when this never used to happen, we had tides over a meter five times. I am talking about the month of August, when we are quiet,” said St Mark’s chief caretaker, Carlo Alberto Tesserin.
Venice’s unique
Following the second-worst flood in history in November 2019, Venice was flooded with four more extreme tides in six weeks, startling Venetians and raising concerns about climate change's worsening impact. This summer's frequent flooding of brackish lagoon water into St. Mark's Basilica serves as just a reminder that the problem is still present.