The ‘acqua alta’ created havoc in Venice, as schools and hospitals were closed and citizens were advised against leaving their homes…Venice has been inundated by an exceptionally high tide, putting three-quarters of the famed Italian lagoon city under water.

Tourists and residents alike donned waterproof boots to navigate the streets of Venice after strong winds raised the water level over 5ft before receding.The water exceeded the raised walkways normally put out in flooded areas in Venice, forcing their removal. Transport officials closed the water bus system except to outlying islands because of the emergency.
Venice frequently floods when high winds push in water from the lagoon, but Monday’s levels were exceptional. The peak level was the highest since 2008.Much of Italy is under alert for flooding from heavy rains, a problem exacerbated by a lack of maintenance of the country’s river beds.