The 1966 flooding of Venice: What time taught us for the future

Fifty years after the devastating flood that struck Venice and Florence, a comprehensive analysis reveals critical lessons for mitigating future flooding risks. The study identifies key components of relative sea level rise contributing to Venice's vulnerability, including natural subsidence and human-induced factors. It highlights significant advancements in monitoring networks and forecasting capabilities since 1966, which have been instrumental in safeguarding the city. Notably, the research underscores the role of luck in preventing a more catastrophic outcome during the 1966 event, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and proactive engineering interventions. The findings provide a robust framework for understanding and addressing the complex interplay between meteo-oceanographic factors and urban resilience.

Trincardi, F., Barbanti, A., Bastianini, M., Benetazzo, A., Cavaleri, L., Chiggiato, J., Papa, A., Pomaro, A., Sclavo, M., Tosi, L., & Umgiesser, G. (2016). The 1966 Flooding of Venice: What Time Taught Us for the Future. Oceanography, 29(4). https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2016.87