VENICE, Italy (AP) – Exceptionally high tidal waters rolled relentlessly through Venice again on Friday, forcing the closure of St. Mark’s Square to the public and flooding most of the lagoon city’s already devastated center before easing.
Forecasters warned that the danger for more wind-propelled high tides remained through the weekend.
The Italian government issued an international appeal for donations to help repair damage to the centuries-old city’s rich cultural heritage after Tuesday’s floods, which were the worst in decades.
People can donate 2 euros ($2.20) by sending a text message to a special number Culture Minister Dario Franceschini said.
“All the world loves this splendid city, let them show it now,” he said in a statement.