Surat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in Trouble
Sea Levels Rising Rapidly
The country's 36 million population stands on the brink of a terrifying natural disaster. It is feared that in about 30 years, many coastal areas of the country, including Mumbai and Kolkata, will either be submerged or face severe annual floods. These areas might experience heavy flooding during the monsoon season, as revealed by a report from American institute Climate Central. According to the report, by the mid-century, global warming may cause such a rapid rise in sea levels that India will also experience its impact.
The report suggests that areas along the coast or regions with low altitude may be submerged. The report also states that by 2050, the lives of people in 10 countries worldwide will be greatly affected by rising sea levels. Due to rapid urbanization and economic growth, people in Mumbai and Kolkata are at the highest risk from coastal flooding.
NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission's study concludes that by 2050, sea levels will rise so much that major Indian cities like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Kolkata could be permanently underwater. This could lead to a displacement crisis affecting nearly 30 million people.
States Most At Risk by 2050
1. Surat
With a population of 5 million, Surat may face severe flood disasters every year. The sea level is rising rapidly here.
2. Kolkata
The city, with a population of 15 million and capital of West Bengal, faces the greatest threat from rising levels of the Bay of Bengal and the Hooghly River's branches. Kolkata is likely to be severely impacted by flooding from the Hooghly River.
3. Mumbai
India's financial capital, with a population of 18 million, already struggles with annual floods. By 2050, the situation will worsen, and many areas of Mumbai might be submerged due to coastal flooding.
4. Odisha
About 500,000 people living in coastal areas like Paradip and Ghatneswar in Odisha may face coastal flooding by 2050.
5. Kerala
Last year's floods affected 14 million people in Kerala. By 2050, districts like Alappuzha and Kottayam will face coastal flooding disasters.
6. Tamil Nadu
The coastal areas of this state will not remain unaffected by floods and rising sea levels, including cities like Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kanchipuram. Chennai alone has over 7 million residents, who have recently faced flood and drought challenges.
Threats to Other Countries
By 2050, rising sea levels will severely impact populations in 10 countries worldwide, with seven of them in the Asia-Pacific region. India is at the top, with nearly 40 million people at risk. Bangladesh will see 25 million, China 20 million, and the Philippines about 15 million people affected. Key affected cities include Mumbai and Kolkata in India, Guangzhou and Shanghai in China, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Yangon in Myanmar, Bangkok in Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong in Vietnam. A new study indicates that rising sea levels will impact around 300 million people globally, with over 90 million in Bangladesh alone becoming homeless.
