NASA Candid on Doomsday Signs, Indonesian Regions in Great Danger

In a study, NASA has identified an increase in sea levels projected for 2100. At least ten major cities worldwide are at risk of submergence, including Jakarta.

The rise is estimated at 3-6 feet (91.4 cm to 182.88 cm). The cause is climate change leading to the melting of polar ice.

Currently, these risks are already becoming apparent. One example is the frequent flooding phenomenon, such as in parts of Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) and Java over the past few years.

“Jakarta is known as one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world. This problem is becoming increasingly extreme, leading the Indonesian government to relocate the capital [to IKN],” states the Sciencing report.

The same report notes that Jakarta has been undergoing subsidence with water levels rising 17 cm per year. Moreover, its geographical location is already in low-lying terrain previously dominated by swamps.

Sciencing also mentions the capital relocation to IKN in 2022. The flood risks in Jakarta are one of the reasons for the move, alongside pollution and widespread congestion.

“The new capital, named IKN, is predicted to be fully completed by 2045. At that time, IKN is likely to serve as an escape from the submerging Jakarta,” the Sciencing report states.

Besides Jakarta, here are some other major cities at risk of submergence:

Alexandria, Egypt

Egypt’s second-largest city is a transcontinental trade hub, particularly for oil shipping. One key facility is the SUMED pipeline terminal, connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, used to transport crude oil and natural gas from the Arabian Peninsula to Europe.

However, the negative impacts of fossil fuel use haunt Alexandria. Local communities face glacier melting, and according to UN climate panel estimates, up to 30% of the city could be inundated by 2050, displacing 1.5 million people.

Flooding could also extend to much of the Nile Delta. This risk could destroy one of the cradles of civilisation.

Miami, Florida

More than half of Miami-Dade County lies at just 6 feet above sea level. At least 60% of the area is at risk of submergence by 2060.

Worse still, numerous luxury buildings have been constructed in coastal areas. In the worst-case scenario, a submerged Miami could become the most economically devastating natural disaster in history.

Lagos, Nigeria

Africa’s largest city is frequently hit by flooding during the summer season. Lagos is sinking at a rate of more than 3 inches per year.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

The UN has listed Bangladesh as one of ten countries most affected by natural disasters. Dhaka is sinking at half an inch per year.

The country’s situation continues to worsen due to climate change, with increasingly frequent and intense flooding raising concerns.

Yangon, Myanmar

Yangon is also prone to flooding. The region is further threatened by its proximity to the Sagaing Fault, which could cause groundwater wells to collapse and submerge much of the city during a major earthquake.

Bangkok, Thailand

Continuous sea level rise has caused Bangkok to lose territory. Its coastline is advancing inland by more than 1 km per year.

It is estimated that the majority of the city will disappear within the next century.

Kolkata, India

Kolkata is also threatened by sea level rise. Another issue is excessive groundwater extraction.

At least more than 10 million people are at risk of displacement if Kolkata continues to be plagued by flooding.

Manila, Philippines

Manila is recorded as sinking continuously at about 4 inches per year or higher than the global average sea level rise per year. The city also faces mangrove forest degradation, which should act as a barrier to erosion along Manila Bay.

A recorded 130,000 hectares of mangroves in the area have been cleared since entering the 20th century.

Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Megalopolis

This region is concentrated between the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea. The Pearl River Delta is projected to see sea levels rise by 5 feet over the next 100 years.

At that level, this area faces a very high risk of submergence in the future.