Cities are slowly disappearing under water and streets turning into rivers. People wading through floodwaters is not far in the future anymore. Across the globe, low-lying cities face a mix of rising seas and sinking land. Groundwater pumping, warming oceans, and unstable land make it worse. Experts say some of these places could be underwater by 2100 according to the World Economic Forum report. Buildings, homes, and entire communities are at risk. People notice creeping water in streets, flooded markets, and damaged roads. It feels distant for some. But the warning signs are already here.
11 cities that could be underwater by 2100
Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta sinks around six inches every year, reportedly one of the fastest rates in the world. Excessive groundwater pumping has left the soil unstable. When tides are high, streets flood easily, and people have to wade through water daily. The government plans to move the capital to Borneo over the next decade. Still, millions in Jakarta remain at risk.
Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos faces serious risks as its low-lying coastline erodes. Rising seas from climate change make flooding more frequent. Experts warn that even a moderate sea-level rise could disrupt life, businesses, and transport across Africaโs biggest city. Many communities already deal with waterlogged streets during rainy seasons. The city is trying to adapt, but the problem seems relentless.
Houston, Texas
Houston is sinking about two inches a year because of groundwater pumping. Flooding gets worse during storms. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 damaged tens of thousands of homes and displaced around 30,000 people. Streets, highways, and neighbourhoods often remain waterlogged for days. Locals say the flooding feels unpredictable and extreme. Houston faces repeated disaster risks as the land keeps settling.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka produces barely any emissions, yet rising seas threaten the city. Experts estimate that 17 percent of Bangladesh could be flooded by 2050. Millions of people may have to move. Water often appears in streets and markets during heavy rain. Locals notice it creeping into homes. The city tries to manage floods, but it seems like a losing battle against nature.
Venice, Italy
Venice sinks slowly, around 0.08 inches each year. The Mose flood barrier is supposed to help, but delays and storms make it unreliable. In 2018, floods were the worst in ten years. Water spreads across St. Markโs Square, shops, and streets. Residents report boats struggling and buildings slowly being damaged. Veniceโs history and charm are at stake if sea levels keep rising.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach faces one of the fastest sea-level rises on the East Coast. Water reportedly creeps over roads more often now. Homes near the shoreline are at risk. Experts predict up to 12 feet of sea-level rise by 2100. People already see the effects during storms. Rising water and sinking land make living there increasingly challenging.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok sinks about 1 centimetre per year. Flooding is already common during the rainy season. The city built Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park to hold a million gallons of water. It helps temporarily, but it seems like a band-aid solution. Streets and low-lying areas are still affected. Rising seas and sinking land make Bangkok one of the most vulnerable cities globally.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has parts already two inches lower each year. Some areas are 15 feet below sea level. River deltas make flooding even worse. Hurricane Katrina showed how vulnerable the city is. Experts say rising seas will make floods more frequent and dangerous. Residents have rebuilt before, but it feels like the city is constantly under threat from water.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
About 90 percent of Rotterdam is below sea level. The city relies on storm barriers and โwater parksโ to manage floods. Room for the River helps absorb extra water. Still, rising seas put pressure on the cityโs defences. Experts warn that even clever engineering might not be enough long-term. Locals report regular high-water alerts during storms and heavy rains.
Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandriaโs beaches are disappearing slowly. Rising Mediterranean waters are swallowing parts of the coastline. Locals notice the change each year. Some residential areas are at risk of flooding. Experts estimate up to two feet of sea-level rise by 2100. The city may have to relocate residents or build barriers. The threat seems gradual but very real.
Miami, Florida
Miami has one of the fastest-rising sea levels in the world. Streets flood frequently. Saltwater contaminates wells and damages infrastructure. Homes, roads, and businesses are increasingly at risk. Experts say few scenarios exist where Miami remains unchanged by 2100. Locals already notice more flooding after storms and even sunny-day tides. The city is trying to adapt, but itโs tough.
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