Venice flooding: Latest updates today and map of areas affected

FLOODS continue to wreak havoc in Venice, where a state of emergency has now been declared.

But which areas have been affected and have there been any casualties? Here's the latest news.

What happened in Venice?

Venice has declared a state of emergency after a 1.8-metre flood devastated the tourist hotspot.

The city's Mayor Luigi Brugnaro blamed climate change for the "dramatic situation".

The waters peaked at 1.87m on November 13, according to the tide monitoring centre.

Only once since records began in 1923 has the tide been higher, reaching 1.94m in 1966.

Night-time footage showed a torrent of water whipped up by high winds raging through the city centre.

Brugnaro said on Twitter: "The situation is dramatic.

"We ask the government to help us. The cost will be high.

"This is the result of climate change."

A third tidal surge put the city under water again on November 17.

Which areas have been affected?

Landmarks such as St Mark's Basilica and St Mark's Square are under water.

Officials closed historic St. Mark's Square and stacked sandbags against the Basilica to block salt-laden water from bursting in to the crypt again.

The flooding in Venice marks the highest tide there in more than 50 years.

Brugnaro warned of severe damage and said he would ask the government to declare a state of emergency which would allow funds to be freed to address the damage.

An estimated 85 per cent of the city is underwater.

Have there been any casualties?

It has been reported that two people have died in the floods.

A local man from Pellestrina died after being struck by lightning while using an electric water pump.

The body of another man was reportedly found in his home.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours