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UN Warns Mumbai Faces Growing Risk of Permanent Inundation
The United Nations says rising seas could seriously affect Mumbai and other large South Asian cities.
Mumbai, Kolkata and Dhaka may face permanent flooding risks.
More than 14 million people in the region could be at immediate risk of losing their homes.
Sea levels rose faster in 2024 than their recent yearly average.
Scientists expect global seas to rise by at least half a metre by 2100 in many scenarios.
A less likely but more severe scenario could bring up to two metres of rise.
Mumbai is also slowly sinking in some areas, which can make flooding worse.
Saltwater could enter freshwater supplies near the coast.
Storm surges could damage sanitation, homes and transportation.
A United Nations report identifies Mumbai, Kolkata and Dhaka as South Asian megacities increasingly threatened by permanent inundation.
More than 14 million people across the region could face an immediate risk of losing their homes, the report says.
Global sea levels rose 5.9 millimetres in 2024, compared with an annual average of 4.7 millimetres from 2014 to 2023.
The report projects at least 0.5 metres of sea-level rise by 2100 even with aggressive emissions reductions.
Mumbai also faces risks from land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, storm surges and pressure on sanitation, housing and transport systems.
- Who
- The United Nations and more than 14 million potentially affected people across South Asia, including residents of Mumbai, Kolkata and Dhaka.
- What
- A UN report warns that rising sea levels could cause permanent inundation, displacement and infrastructure damage in South Asian megacities.
- Where
- Mumbai, Kolkata and Dhaka, with broader risks across South Asia and coastal areas worldwide.
- When
- The report was submitted to the UN General Assembly on August 31; it cites sea-level data for 2024 and projections through 2100.
- Why
- Global sea levels are rising, while land subsidence, saltwater intrusion and storm surges increase Mumbai’s vulnerability.
Key facts
- Report
- Challenges related to sea level rise and ways and approaches to address
- Report date
- Submitted to the UN General Assembly on August 31
- 2024 sea-level rise
- 5.9 millimetres globally
- 2014–2023 average
- 4.7 millimetres per year
- Minimum projected rise by 2100
- At least 0.5 metres, even under aggressive emissions-reduction scenarios
- Worst-case projection
- Up to 2 metres if the West Antarctic ice sheet becomes unstable
- Potential regional displacement
- More than 14 million people could face an immediate risk of losing their homes
Sources
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