Venice Flooding: Architect Giovanni Leone's Account of Acqua Alta
On November 12, 2019, Venice experienced its second most severe flooding event, with water levels reaching 187 cm above sea level, just 7 cm short of the record set in 1966. Giovanni Leone, an architect who has lived in the city since 1981, describes the calamity as a result of a high full moon, deepened canals, scirocco winds, and wind speeds of 100 km/h attributed to climate change. By 10:50 PM, water levels surged from initial estimates of 140-145 cm to 190 cm, surpassing barriers meant to withstand 160 cm. The destruction included collapsed structures at Giardini di Castello and Giudecca, along with flooded businesses. The population has dwindled from 121,309 in 1966 to 53,000. Leone criticizes the MoSE flood barrier initiative for corruption and advocates for Venice’s special status and increased autonomy.
Key facts
- Venice flooded on November 12, 2019, with water reaching 187 cm above mean sea level.
- The 1966 flood peaked at 194 cm; the 2019 event was just 7 cm lower.
- Four factors caused the flood: high full moon, water velocity, scirocco wind, and 100 km/h winds.
- Wind speeds of 100 km/h and scirocco direction are linked to climate change.
- Initial flood forecasts were 140-145 cm, later revised to 190 cm.
- Damage included collapsed parapets at Giardini di Castello and Giudecca, and a sunken newsstand.
- Venice's population dropped from 121,309 in 1966 to 53,000 in 2019.
- The MoSE project has seen 1 billion euros embezzled and costs more than doubled.
- Leone calls for special administrative status and more autonomy for Venice.
Entities
Artists
- Giovanni Leone
Institutions
- Artribune
- Consorzio Venezia Nuova
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Catania
- Etna
- Giardini di Castello
- Giudecca
- Giudecca Canal
- Rio Terà Foscarini
- Campo Sant'Agnese
- Zattere ai Gesuati
- San Basilio
- Calle del vento
- Ponte di San Sebastiano
- Marghera
- Canale Vittorio Emanuele
- Basilica di San Marco