Even Venice can flood
Both the gospel and the first reading this Sunday speak of a time of tribulation when people will be forced to move. Fast-rising waters forced hundreds to flee their homes in Venice, Italy Monday as near-record flood waters inundated the fabled city and filled . . .
Both the gospel and the first reading this Sunday speak of a time of tribulation when people will be forced to move. Fast-rising waters forced hundreds to flee their homes in Venice, Italy Monday as nearly three quarters of the fabled city was inundated by near-record levels of floodwater that filled shops, homes, and historic palaces.
Elevated water in Venice reached nearly 5 feet, one of the highest stages since records began in 1872, forcing residents to wade through waist-deep water. Tourists in bathing suits sat at cafe tables under the water. There was no immediate estimate of damage to the city.
In Tuscany, 9 inches of rain fell in four hours, causing several rivers to flood, according to the regional government. “It has been devastating,” said Roberto Pucci, the mayor of Massa Carrara in Tuscany, one of the worst-hit areas. “I saw at least six bridges destroyed in the hills, floods, landslides, vineyards, and olive groves swept away. If there hasn't been a death it's a miracle,” he said.
Local media said dozens of people took refuge on their roofs after rivers burst their banks in central Italy. It was the fourth time since 2000 that Venice had been hit by record-high water, and the city's environment officer said the latest flooding was the result of global climate change. A barrier to protect the city from repeated winter flooding, which has been planned for decades, is due to be finished by 2015.
By Wednesday the situation in Venice was improving, but several bridges and roads in Rome had to be closed as the swollen Tiber river rushed through the capital and flooded outlying regions.
Homily hint: The power of nature unleashed, which the East Coast of the U.S. may feel one week and Italy the next, reminds us of our vulnerability to even the smallest changes in climatic conditions. A few degrees of warming can give a storm greater power, melt a glacier, kill a magnificent coral reef. We honor our Creator by living in harmony with the rest of creation.
Elevated water in Venice reached nearly 5 feet, one of the highest stages since records began in 1872, forcing residents to wade through waist-deep water. Tourists in bathing suits sat at cafe tables under the water. There was no immediate estimate of damage to the city.
In Tuscany, 9 inches of rain fell in four hours, causing several rivers to flood, according to the regional government. “It has been devastating,” said Roberto Pucci, the mayor of Massa Carrara in Tuscany, one of the worst-hit areas. “I saw at least six bridges destroyed in the hills, floods, landslides, vineyards, and olive groves swept away. If there hasn't been a death it's a miracle,” he said.
Local media said dozens of people took refuge on their roofs after rivers burst their banks in central Italy. It was the fourth time since 2000 that Venice had been hit by record-high water, and the city's environment officer said the latest flooding was the result of global climate change. A barrier to protect the city from repeated winter flooding, which has been planned for decades, is due to be finished by 2015.
By Wednesday the situation in Venice was improving, but several bridges and roads in Rome had to be closed as the swollen Tiber river rushed through the capital and flooded outlying regions.
Homily hint: The power of nature unleashed, which the East Coast of the U.S. may feel one week and Italy the next, reminds us of our vulnerability to even the smallest changes in climatic conditions. A few degrees of warming can give a storm greater power, melt a glacier, kill a magnificent coral reef. We honor our Creator by living in harmony with the rest of creation.
Sources: Articles by Steve Scherer, Naomi O’Leary, and Philip Pullella for Reuters