UN Flags Mumbai, Kolkata Among Asia’s Most Vulnerable Coastal Cities
What Happened
A new UN report has identified Mumbai and Kolkata among South Asia’s vulnerable low-lying coastal cities facing growing risks from sea-level rise. The report warns that rising seas can worsen existing flooding by raising baseline water levels, allowing storm surges and high tides to push further inland and making drainage during heavy rainfall more difficult. More than 14 million people across South Asian delta regions, including areas around Mumbai, Kolkata and Dhaka, could face increasing exposure to inundation and displacement risks.
Key Takeaways
Sea-level rise is not replacing monsoon flooding, but amplifying it. The UN notes that global sea levels rose at an average 4.7 mm annually during 2014-2023, reaching a record 5.9 mm in 2024, with further increases expected this century. Coastal cities like Mumbai and Kolkata may therefore face more frequent and severe flooding unless adaptation and resilience measures are strengthened.