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Oct 13th

10/13/2013

 
Picturewww.telegraph.co.uk
Barriers designed to protect the Italian city of Venice from flooding during high tides have been successfully tested for the first time. Four large floodgates rose out of the water creating a temporary sea barrier.

Not before time. With the seas rising, many coastal areas around the globe are likely to be flooded. In the future, the water is not expected to recede with the annual tide as it does now.

Once completed, 78 mobile flood barriers in Venice will be raised from the seabed to shut off the lagoon in the event of rising sea levels and winter storms. The city suffers flooding on a yearly basis. In 1966, 80% of the city was flooded by high tides.


Pictureveniceonline.it
Construction on the barriers began 10 years ago but has been hampered by delays in funding due to Italy's economic crisis. The Moses project has already cost more than $7bn (£5bn) and is not expected to be completed for another two years. Once finished, the floodgates will extend more than a mile, blocking the three inlets to the lagoon. The project us due to be completed in 1916.

The city of Venice is sited on one of a group of 118 small islands in northeastern Italy separated by canals and linked by bridges. I've seen historical paintings and sketches of the place, often displayed in English grand homes, but never realized Venice was on such a small island.


Picturewww.tourist-destinations.com
In times gone by, wealthy men, and very few women, took The Grand Tour for a year or more, to serve as an educational rite of passage. Mainly upper-class European young men of means took the traditional trip of Europe. The custom flourished from about 1660 until the advent of large-scale rail transit in the 1840s, and was associated with a standard itinerary. Though primarily associated with the British nobility and wealthy landed gentry, similar trips were made by wealthy young men of Protestant Northern European nations on the Continent, and from the second half of the 18th century some South American, US, and other overseas youth joined in.

I've got a sinking feeling.

Twenty five years ago, I lived on the Gold Coast of Queensland in Australia. Wealthy people live either side of canals separating the strip of coastal land. Back then, my family discussed the possibility of the entire area being covered by sea in some possible future.

The Thames Barrier prevents tidal surges from reaching London. The marshlands along the coast soak up excess water too. I live in one of the highest parts, north-east of the city, one hill away from Arkley View. In World War II, the large house, a "Y" station on the outskirts of Barnet, acted as a data collection centre at which traffic was collated and passed to Bletchley Park during air raids.

The peril facing the world is different now.

What choice do people living in threatened coastal areas have? They can't leave their home because of a possibility. If everyone decided to sell, their land would lose value. People with youngsters should think of the future. On the other hand, maybe it's best not to be prudent. Enjoy whatever life offers. As for me, I'd wait. But I've lived a full life.

What would you do?


Tami Principe link
10/12/2013 08:36:04 pm

I would wait as well. Can't live off of a possibility. I would be prepared as much as possible. Thank you for such an informative blog! :)

Francene Stanley link
10/12/2013 10:41:43 pm

Best to be prepared.

Lisa link
10/12/2013 10:35:45 pm

I have loved looking at Venice in Photo's. I have heard about the water rising and the floods can be of a serious nature.

The history was good.

thanks for sharing.

Lisa
http://www.lisamcalister.com

Francene Stanley link
10/13/2013 03:14:31 am

It looks like a beautiful, unique place. It's captured the imagination of travellers for hundreds of years.

amar naik link
10/12/2013 11:50:21 pm

one of the biggest causes from problems at coastal areas is the unchecked development. if we can check that then we can probably have safe coasts for next generation

Francene Stanley link
10/13/2013 03:15:34 am

I guess that is so in many countries around the world.

Neo LoveGood link
10/13/2013 05:45:52 am

Its one of my favorite place to visit its even in my bucket list, wishing it wouldn't sink my dreams.

Alana link
10/13/2013 08:28:12 am

I grew up in New York City. I was born in an area, the Rockaways, that was greatly impacted by Superstorm Sandy the end of last October. I think we need to learn others who have faced flooding and other water hazard successfully - we can't just move my native New York City (without great suffering, that is) . Also, we have to face the fact that climate change is happening, and not try to make it a political issue, which too many people have done.

Francene Stanley link
10/13/2013 07:23:51 pm

I know what you mean. Around the English coast, may houses built on the cliffs are falling into the sea. Natural erosion is a slow process.

Amy link
10/13/2013 10:45:00 pm

Francene, Just the other day I saw a news item that said that global warming might not be happening at all, but that the earth's temperatures indicate a chilling for the past 10 to 20 years. I agree with Alana that what will be, will be, and politicizing of it won't change what God has planned. Anyway, we know only a tiny slice of history, as far as climate change goes. We don't really know how many chilling or warming periods there have been so far since the earth was created.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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