Venice has been hit by its highest tide in more than 50 years, leaving much of the Italian city underwater and at least two persons dead, a media report said. The flooding was the second-highest in the city's history, and the mayor has put the blame on climate change, Sky News reported.

Officials said the tide peaked at 187 cm (6.14feet) at 10.50 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday, just short of the 194 cm seen in 1966. The high water submerged the city's historic squares and alleyways, including some of the favourite tourist spots such as St Mark's Square.