Low tide in Venice

As every year at the same time, the City of the Doges in Venice usually faces low tide. This phenomenon is quite normal, but the exceptional character this year lies in its duration, since it causes major logistical problems.

It is all the same a rather new vision of the city: almost dry canals, filled with mud and silt on which the stranded and immobilized gondolas rest.

This phenomenon is the exact opposite of that of “Acqua Alta” for which occurs, between autumn and spring, the high tides which flood a large part of the city, in particular Saint Mark’s Square and the City of the Doges. (lowest parts). It is considered a kind of emblem for Venice.

The drought that has affected Europe since the beginning of the year, as a result of the lack of precipitation, plays a major role in this phenomenon. Because of these weather conditions, the tides of the Adriatic bordering Venice cannot develop. The lack of water is also observed on Italy’s longest river, the Po, which contains 61% less water than normal.

This exceptional situation therefore poses major logistical and human problems. Rescuers cannot work normally. Usually water ambulances use these channels to circulate and save time, but today they are forced to do all the work on foot. Sometimes forced to travel long distances with people in their arms, it becomes more risky and the interventions become longer, especially during this period of the Venice carnival.

Another anecdotal problem, the almost dry canals give off foul odors. Fortunately, this situation should only last for a few days, thus restoring Venice to all its splendour.