Cities are slowly disappearing underwater, streets turning into rivers. The day when people will wade through floods is not far away. Globally, low-lying cities face the twin threats of rising sea levels and sinking land. Groundwater extraction, ocean warming and land instability make the situation worse. Experts say some of these places could be underwater by 2100, according to the journal Nature. world economic forum Report. Buildings, homes and entire communities are at risk. People noticed water in the streets, flooded markets and damaged roads. It feels far away to some. But warning signs have emerged.
11 cities could be submerged by 2100
Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta is sinking about six inches per year and is reportedly one of the fastest sinking cities in the world. Excessive pumping of groundwater leads to soil instability. At high tide, the streets are prone to flooding and people have to wade through the water every day. The government plans to move the capital to Borneo within the next decade. Still, millions of people in Jakarta are at risk.
Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos faces serious risks due to erosion of its low-lying coastline. Rising sea levels caused by climate change are making flooding more frequent. Even modest rises in sea levels could disrupt life, commerce and traffic in Africa’s largest cities, experts warn. Many communities are already dealing with flooded streets during the rainy season. The city is trying to adapt, but the problems seem relentless.
Houston, Texas
Houston is sinking about two inches a year due to groundwater pumping. Flooding can become more severe during storms. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 destroyed tens of thousands of homes and displaced approximately 30,000 people. Streets, highways and neighborhoods were often flooded for days. Locals said the flooding felt unpredictable and extreme. As the land continues to subside, Houston faces recurring disaster risks.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka produces almost no emissions, but rising sea levels threaten the city. Experts estimate that 17% of Bangladesh may be flooded by 2050. Millions of people may have to relocate. Water often accumulates in streets and markets during heavy rains. Locals noticed it was creeping into people’s homes. The city’s attempts to control flooding appear to be a losing battle against nature.
Venice, Italy
Venice is sinking slowly, about 0.08 inches per year. The Moses Levee was supposed to help, but delays and storms made it unreliable. In 2018, the worst floods in a decade occurred. Water flooded Piazza San Marco, shops and streets. Residents reported boats getting into trouble and buildings slowly being damaged. If sea levels continue to rise, Venice’s history and charm will be threatened.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is one of the beaches on the East Coast experiencing the fastest rising sea levels. Water accumulation on roads is now reported to be more frequent. Homes near the shoreline are at risk. Experts predict that sea levels will rise 12 feet by 2100. People are already seeing the effects during the storm. Rising water levels and sinking land are making life there increasingly difficult.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok sinks about 1 centimeter every year. Floods are already common during the rainy season. The city built Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park to hold one million gallons of water. It helps temporarily, but seems to be just a band-aid solution. Streets and low-lying areas are still affected. Rising sea levels and sinking land have made Bangkok one of the world’s most vulnerable cities.
new orleans louisiana
Parts in New Orleans are lowered two inches every year. Some areas are 15 feet below sea level. River deltas make flooding more severe. Hurricane Katrina showed how vulnerable the city is. Experts say rising sea levels will make flooding more frequent and dangerous. Residents have rebuilt before but feel the city is constantly under threat from water.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
About 90% of Rotterdam is below sea level. The city relies on storm barriers and “water parks” to deal with flooding. The space in the river helps absorb the extra water. Still, rising sea levels are putting pressure on the city’s defenses. Experts warn that even clever engineering may not be enough to work in the long term. Locals report regular high water warnings being issued during storms and heavy rain.
alexandria egypt
Alexandria’s beaches are slowly disappearing. Rising Mediterranean waters are swallowing up parts of the coastline. Locals notice the change every year. Some residential areas are at risk of flooding. Experts estimate that sea levels will rise two feet by 2100. The city may have to relocate residents or build barriers. The threat may seem incremental, but it is real.
Miami, Florida
Miami is one of the cities with the fastest rising sea levels in the world. Streets flood regularly. Saltwater contaminates wells and damages infrastructure. Homes, roads and businesses are increasingly at risk. Experts say Miami will remain virtually unchanged by 2100. Locals have noticed that flooding can occur more frequently after storms and even tides on clear days. The city is trying to adapt, but it’s difficult.
