MILAN (AP) Flooding in the canal city of Venice, Italy has reached the second-highest level ever, after the infamous 1966 floods.
The high-water mark hit 187 cm late on Tuesday, meaning more than 85% of the city was flooded. The highest level ever recorded was 198 cm in 1966.
Venice's mayor blamed climate change for the "dramatic situation" and called for a speedy completion of a long-delayed project to construct off-shore barriers. Called "Moses," the moveable under-sea barriers are meant to limit flooding of the city, caused by southerly winds that push the tide into Venice.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said that the flood levels represent "a wound that will leave indelible signs."
Photos: AP Photo/Luca Bruno
