St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy saw its second-worst flood ever reported in history.

The 1000 year-old cathedral suffered serious damage as water ravaged through the crypt, reaching almost three feet high.

“The basilica is suffering structural damage because the water has risen, and so it’s causing irreparable damage,” Patriarch of Venice Francesco Moraglia said.

“There were waves as if we were at the beach,” the Patriarch added. “I have never seen anything like it. Venice is a wounded city, but it can’t keep on being wounded every year in the same way.”

Here’s some videos of the reported damage:

Click here if you cannot see the video above.

Click here if you cannot see the video above.

The water covered more than 80 percent of the city, reaching six feet high–the highest since 1966. Authorities called for a state of emergency after one elderly man died.

“Venice has been tortured, but there are also other parts of the Veneto region besides Venice. It is an apocalyptic disaster,” regional governor Luca Zaia said.

“Venice is on its knees,” Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said in a Twitter post.

“The Basilica of St. Mark has suffered serious damage like the entire city and the islands. We are here with Patriarch Moraglia to bring our support, but we need everyone’s help to overcome these days that are putting us to the test.”

More flooding is expected on Thursday.

Please pray for Venice!

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