Shocking scenes.
Venice has been hit by its worst flooding in 50 years, with many parts of the Italian city left underwater.
The city is currently experiencing its highest tide in over half a century, as waters have peaked at 6ft (1.87m) according to a tide monitoring centre.
BBC News have reported that one of the lowest parts of the city – St Mark’s Square – is one of the worst affected areas, with St Mark’s Basilica being flooded for the sixth time ever in over 1,000 years.
St Mark’s council has said that four of the aforementioned floods have happened in the past 20 years.
This is only the second time that waters have risen this high since records began in 1923.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has been shared images of the destruction caused by the flooding, saying that the damage caused by the water will leave a “permanent mark.”
“[Venice] is on its knees,” he said on Twitter.
“The Basilica of San Marco has suffered serious damage like the entire city and the islands.
“We are here with Patriarch Moraglia to bring our support but we need everyone’s help to overcome these days that are putting us to the test.”
#Venezia è in ginocchio. La Basilica di San Marco ha subito gravi danni come l’intera città e le isole.
Siamo qui con il Patriarca Moraglia per portare il nostro sostegno ma c’è bisogno dell’aiuto di tutti per superare queste giornate che ci stanno mettendo a dura prova. pic.twitter.com/3Qy7070hZn— Luigi Brugnaro (@LuigiBrugnaro) November 13, 2019
He added that he wants to declare a state of emergency within the city, and is asking the Italian government for assistance.
“The situation is dramatic,” he said. “We ask the government to help us. The cost will be high. This is the result of climate change.”
Venice experienced particularly bad rainfall on Tuesday, leading to severe flooding affecting hundreds businesses and homes.
More rainfall is expected in the region over the coming days.
