Italy's government has declared a state of emergency in flood-ravaged Venice, seeking to release funds to repair the historic lagoon city after it was damaged by the highest tide in 50 years.
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A cabinet meeting has approved a special decree that included 20 million euros ($A33 million) in immediate financial aid aimed at helping the city recover.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte described the flooding as "a blow to the heart of our country", after spending Wednesday night in Venice.
World-famous monuments, homes and businesses were hit hard by the exceptional flooding.
Venice's mayor said the damage is estimated at "hundreds of millions of euros".
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro blamed climate change for the "dramatic situation" in the historic city and called for the speedy completion of a long-delayed flood defence project.
The water levels reached 1.87 meters above sea level on Tuesday, the second-highest level ever recorded in the city and just 7 centimetres lower than the historic 1966 flood.
Another wave of exceptionally high water followed on Wednesday.
Australian Associated Press