Exceptionally high tidal waters returned to Venice, prompting the mayor to close the iconic St. Mark’s Square and call for donations to repair the Italian lagoon city just three days after it experienced its worst flooding in 50 years.

The high tide peaked at 5 feet above sea level, flooding most of the historic center.
Venice Mayor said the damage is estimated at hundreds of millions of euros and blamed climate change for the “dramatic situation.” He also called for the speedy completion of the city’s long-delayed Moses flood defense project.
Brugnaro told reporters that he was forced to ask police to block off St. Mark’s Square, which was covered in knee-high water. Workers in high boots removed the platforms used by the public to cross the iconic square without getting wet.
Venice saw its second-worst flooding on record late Tuesday when water levels reached 6 feet, 1 inch above sea level, the highest flooding in 50 years.
That prompted the Italian government to declare a state of emergency on Thursday, approving 20 million euros to help Venice repair the most urgent damage.