High tide is expected – Venice activates the MOSE dam system against flooding

Due to the sirocco wind, the level reached a level of about 110 centimeters above normal, the municipality announced. The 78 barriers on three of the lagoon’s waterways could remain active in the coming days as heavy rain is expected, authorities said.

The dam system has been operational since 2020
The flood defenses are located in the sea at three entrances to the city port and have been operational since 2020. The billion-dollar construction project was very controversial. On the night of November 13, 2019, Venice was hit by a catastrophic flood. The water – powered by the sirocco – rose to 187 centimeters above sea level. This was the highest level since a devastating flood in 1966, when 194 centimeters was reached.

Rain and landslides in northern Liguria
Severe weather was reported in several Italian regions on Thursday, including Liguria, Emilia Romagna and Tuscany. More rain is expected through Monday. Heavy rains and landslides hit the northern Italian region of Liguria on Wednesday. Rivers burst their banks and streets were flooded.

The river overflowed its banks
Train services between the seaside resorts of Loano and Pietra Ligure have been suspended, local authorities said. In the area of ​​the port city of Savona in the cities of Ferrania, Altare and Cairo Montenotte, the Bormida River burst its banks due to heavy rainfall.

Heavy rains have hit northern Italy repeatedly in recent weeks. The Emilia Romagna region was particularly affected, after being hit by heavy storms in May 2023. At that time there were 17 deaths and billions of dollars in damage.