These 24 Cities Might Become Underwater Monuments In the Near Future
As climate change intensifies, rising sea levels have become a looming danger to coastal cities around the world. So, are we saying goodbye to some cities that might soon go underwater? Let’s find out.
Jakarta Isn’t Expected To See The 22nd Century
Jakarta is home to over 10 million people. Founded in 1527, the city has been battling frequent flooding for decades due to its poor drainage systems, heavy monsoon rains, and sinking land caused by over-extraction of groundwater. Experts predict that large parts of Jakarta could be underwater by 2050.
Jakartadunia, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Miami’s Beaches—A Blessing Or A Curse?
Fans of Scarface and Bad Boys would be devastated to know that Miami faces severe flooding warnings due to rising sea levels. The city has already seen sunny day flooding, where high tides cause water to rise into the streets. However, raised roads and improved drainage could help.
Averette, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lagos Already Knows The Ultimatum
Africa’s largest city, Lagos, is a busy metropolis known for its music, culture, and economic vitality. Lagos has experienced rapid urbanization, but much of the city lies just above sea level. Seasonal flooding is already a major issue due to inadequate drainage systems.
Reginald Bassey, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dhaka—A Disaster That Could Affect Millions
Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. However, it’s highly vulnerable to flooding due to its low-lying geography and monsoon-driven rivers. Bangladesh has long suffered from flooding, but rising sea levels are expected to make the situation worse.
ASaber91, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Casablanca Is At Great Risk
Casablanca was founded in the 7th century by the Berbers and later developed by Portuguese traders in the 15th century. Nevertheless, while the city has not experienced any catastrophic flooding in recent history, climate models predict that, within decades, rising sea levels could pose a significant threat due to its location.
SpreeTom, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Venice Isn’t New To The Problem
Famed for its canals and Renaissance architecture, Venice has been sinking for centuries. Founded in 421 AD, the city has a long history of floods, but rising sea levels and worsening storm surges made them worse. Experts warn that Venice could be submerged by 2100 if sea levels continue rising.
Mariordo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bangkok’s Location Was Probably A Mistake
Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis known for its ornate temples and street food. This city has experienced rapid growth, but this expansion has contributed to its flooding problems. It was built on marshlands and is sinking at an alarming rate. By 2050, parts of Bangkok could be underwater.
Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
New Orleans Past Floods Are A Grave Reminder
This city is home to the French Quarter, jazz music, and vibrant culture, but New Orleans has faced flooding throughout history. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was the most powerful and revealed the city’s vulnerability to storm surges and rising sea levels. Nevertheless, it led to improved levees and flood protection.
thepipe26, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Amsterdam Could Be Underwater By The End Of This Century
Amsterdam has a long history of water management, with canals and dikes controlling flooding. However, with rising sea levels, these defenses are being tested. By 2100, Amsterdam could face severe flooding if sea levels increase by more than one meter.
GillyBerlin, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Shanghai’s Efforts To Stop The Flooding Must Catch Up
Shanghai was founded in 1291 and is considered a modern financial hub. Much of Shanghai sits on low-lying land, which makes it vulnerable to increasing water levels and river flooding. Shanghai has experienced flooding in the past, so the government is trying to protect it by building levees and drainage systems.
King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mumbai Might Sink Within 30 Years
Sad news as Bollywood’s capital is on this list. Mumbai has historically dealt with coastal flooding, particularly during the monsoon season. Rising sea levels, coupled with land subsidence, are increasing the risk of more severe and frequent flooding. Experts predict that by 2050, much of the coastline could be underwater.
Cididity Hat, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ho Chi Minh’s Low Elevation Is A Serious Problem
Vietnam has begun constructing flood barriers and improving drainage systems, but Ho Chi Minh City remains highly vulnerable. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is famous for its French colonial landmarks and vibrant street food scene. However, the low elevation and extensive river network make it susceptible to flooding.
dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Manila Might Not Last Till The End Of The Century
Manila has faced annual flooding due to typhoons and rising water levels since it was founded. As climate change intensifies, these warnings are worsening. Many experts predict that much of Manila could be underwater by 2050, particularly its coastal areas.
Richmond Chi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rio de Janeiro Will Probably Sink Soon
In 100, Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival and Christ the Redeemer statue might be gone due to the increasing the occurance of floods. Rio de Janeiro’s beaches are a major attraction, but they are also at risk. Although they haven’t experienced catastrophic flooding yet, low-lying areas could go underwater soon.
Donatas Dabravolskas, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Benghazi Will Most Likely Face The Fate of Derna
After Derna’s catastrophic flooding, many experts believe that Libya’s second-largest city would follow. Founded in the 5th century BC, Benghazi is known for its Mediterranean coastline and ancient history. Unfortunately, rising sea levels combined with land subsidence are a major threat to the city.
Maher A. A. Abdussalam, Wikimedia Commons
Lima’s Coastal Areas Are Going Underwater Soon
Experts predict that Peru’s capital, Lima, and its low-lying coastal areas could be submerged within 30 years. Known for its colonial architecture and coastal setting, Lima faces significant flooding risks as sea levels rise. The government is aware but has yet to implement a comprehensive plan to solve the problem.
Joshuary, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Tokyo Needs To Think Of A Plan
Despite being one of the most populous and economically powerful cities, Tokyo could disappear under the ocean due to rising sea levels and frequent typhoons. Parts of the city, especially along Tokyo Bay, are vulnerable to flooding, and experts warn that within decades, certain areas could sink.
Bohao Zhao, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Abidjan Should Speed Up Its Anti-Flood Game
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s largest city, is located along the coast of West Africa. It’s known for its lagoons and modern skyline. However, it is also highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Experts warn that significant parts of the city could be submerged within the next 30 years.
Code B, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Charleston’s Coasts Are Subject To Nusiance Flooding
Charleston, South Carolina, founded in 1670, is a charming coastal city known for its historic homes, cobblestone streets, and rich history. However, Charleston is increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to rising sea levels. Regular high tide flooding, known locally as nuisance flooding, has become more frequent in recent years.
Kielerjunge, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Copenhagen Needs A New Climate Adaptation Plan
The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is a city of canals, royal palaces, and modern design. It’s under threat from rising sea levels due to its coastal location. However, a comprehensive climate adaptation plan, which includes sea walls, green roofs, and water management systems might change Copenhagen’s future.
Pudelek, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Alexandria Might Not See Another Century
The historic city founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC is a coastal gem in Egypt known for its ancient monuments and Mediterranean shoreline. However, Alexandria faces a grave risk from rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Experts predict that significant parts of Alexandria could be underwater by 2050.
Abdelrhman 1990, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hamburg’s 1962 Flooding Might Recur
Hamburg is a key European port located on the Elbe River. Hamburg’s proximity to the North Sea puts it at high risk of flooding, as it has experienced severe floods before, with the most devastating in 1962, which resulted in over 300 deaths and widespread destruction.
Thomas Wolf, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dar es Salaam’s Seasonal Floodings Are No Joke
Since 1865, Dar es Salaam has expanded from a small port town into one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. Situated along the Indian Ocean, the city is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels. It has already experienced flooding during the rainy season, and many low-lying areas are regularly submerged.
Vijay8808, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
New York City Is In Great Danger
As seen in movies like 2012, New York is subject to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. It’s one of the world’s most iconic metropolises but has faced devastating floods in recent history, most notably during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which left parts of the city underwater for days.
