11 Major Cities Could Be Underwater by 2100 Due to Rising Seas and Sinking Land
February 15, 2026
Cities around the world are sinking and flooding more often. Rising sea levels combined with sinking land threaten many low-lying cities. Experts warn some could be underwater by 2100. The World Economic Forum report highlights 11 cities at high risk:
Jakarta, Indonesia sinks about six inches yearly due to heavy groundwater pumping. Floods hit streets daily. The government plans to move the capital to Borneo, but millions remain at risk.
Lagos, Nigeria faces severe coastal erosion and frequent flooding. Rising seas worsen waterlogged streets already common in the rainy season.
Houston, Texas sinks roughly two inches per year. Flooding from storms like Hurricane Harvey causes widespread damage and displacement.
Dhaka, Bangladesh, though low on emissions, faces floods that could submerge 17% of the country by 2050, forcing millions to move.
Venice, Italy sinks slowly and floods regularly. Delays in flood barrier projects make protection unreliable. Historic sites and buildings are threatened.
Virginia Beach, Virginia confronts rapid sea-level rise and frequent flooding during storms, threatening homes near the shore.
Bangkok, Thailand sinks about one centimeter annually. Flood control parks help temporarily, but many areas remain vulnerable.
New Orleans, Louisiana, partly below sea level, suffers repeated floods. Hurricane Katrina revealed its vulnerability.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands, with 90% below sea level, depends on flood barriers and river management but faces ongoing pressure from rising waters.
Alexandria, Egypt’s coastline is slowly disappearing due to Mediterranean sea rise. Residential flooding risks grow.
Miami, Florida experiences some of the fastest sea-level increases globally. Floods are common even on sunny days, damaging infrastructure and homes.
These cities show the urgent reality of climate change and sinking land. Flooded streets, damaged roads, and lost homes are the creeping signs. Without strong action, millions could live underwater by 2100.
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Tags:
Sea Level Rise
Flooding
Climate change
Cities At Risk
Urban Sinking
Global warming
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