Venice is always beautiful. Even during the regular flooding that afflicts St Mark’s Square. But this is different. “The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, said he would declare a state of emergency, adding that the flood levels represented a wound that would leave indelible marks. ‘We ask the government to help us. This is the result of climate change.'” Two people die as Venice floods at highest level in 50 years. Here are some photos from the scene from The Guardian and BBC.

+ While Venice is flooding, Australia is burning. “About 150 fires are still burning in New South Wales and Queensland, feeding off tinder-dry conditions … ‘We’ve got the worst of the summer – the worst of the season – still ahead of us as we head into summer.'”