Italian city of Venice is under water again

Venice, Italy’s famous tourist destination known for its canals and gondolas, has been flooded after strong winds raised the water level by 156 centimeters (nearly 61-1/2 inches) before receding.

Five people have died in the weather event, as the national Civil Protection Agency issued multiple warnings with many local authorities shutting schools and urging people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

The peak level was the highest reached since December 2008, according to Venice statistics. The last time levels topped 160 centimeters, which had been forecast, was in December 1979.