Archive · 2 Sep 2026
UN Warns Rising Seas Put Millions in South Asian Deltas
The United Nations says rising seas are already causing serious problems for people and cities.
More than 14 million people in parts of Kolkata, Mumbai and Dhaka may lose their homes to permanent flooding.
The sea rose almost six millimetres in 2024, which the reports describe as a record.
Warmer oceans and melting glaciers are major reasons for the rise.
About 770 million people live in very low coastal areas that are especially vulnerable.
Flooding can damage roads, buildings, power systems, hospitals and drinking-water supplies.
Salt water can enter wells and soil, making water and farming more difficult.
Rising seas can also hurt jobs, ecosystems, cultures and people’s mental health.
A UN official separately warned that melting Himalayan glaciers could bring severe floods to South Asia, followed later by drought.
A United Nations report says more than 14 million people in the low-lying deltas around Kolkata, Mumbai and Dhaka face immediate risk of permanent displacement.
Global sea levels rose 5.9 millimetres in 2024, a record attributed mainly to exceptional ocean warming, melting glaciers and human-caused global warming.
Nearly 770 million people live in coastal areas less than five metres above the high-tide line and face flooding, erosion and saltwater contamination.
At least $1.8 trillion in global infrastructure is endangered, while assets in Miami, New York and Guangzhou face estimated exposure of $2 trillion to $3.5 trillion.
A UN official warned of severe Himalayan glacial-flood risks in the next 15 to 20 years, potentially followed by drought, crop losses and food-security problems.
- Who
- The United Nations and its officials warned about risks to coastal populations and Himalayan communities.
- What
- A UN report warned that accelerating sea-level rise could cause displacement, infrastructure damage, health problems and financial losses.
- When
- The report was released on Monday; the articles cite a record rise in 2024 and risks expected to worsen through 2050. One article is dated September 1, 2026, and another September 2, 2026.
- Where
- The risks include Kolkata, Mumbai and Dhaka, coastal areas worldwide, and the Himalayan region of South Asia.
- Why
- Human-caused global warming is melting glaciers and warming and expanding ocean water.
- South Asian displacement risk
- More than 14 million people in low-lying delta areas around Kolkata, Mumbai and Dhaka are described as immediately at risk of losing their homes to permanent inundation.
- Record sea-level rise
- Global sea level rose 5.9 millimetres in 2024, according to the report.
- Recent average rise
- Global sea level rose an average of 4.7 millimetres per year between 2014 and 2023.
- People in vulnerable coastal areas
- Nearly 770 million people, or about 10 percent of the global population, live less than five metres above the high-tide line.
- Global infrastructure exposure
- At least $1.8 trillion in infrastructure is endangered by sea-level-rise-related risks.
- Major-city assets at risk
- Coastal assets in Miami, New York and Guangzhou face estimated exposure of $2 trillion to $3.5 trillion.
- Himalayan flood outlook
- A UN official warned that glacier-related flooding could threaten South Asia within 15 to 20 years, potentially followed by drought affecting crops and food security.
- Adaptation needs
- The report calls for long-term planning, predictable financing, stronger scientific and data capacity, and technical, institutional and legal support.
Sources
Sea level rise could affect millions in Kolkata, Mumbai: UN
UN warns of ‘immediate risk’ to millions in Kolkata and Mumbai from rising sea levels
Rising Seas Threaten Mumbai, Kolkata: Millions Face Risk Of Losing Homes To Permanent Inundation, Warns UN
All At Sea: Millions In Kolkata, Mumbai Face Rising Risk Of Permanent Home Loss, UN Warns
