FX.co ★ 7 US cities destined to go underwater by 2100

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is one of the American cities that can be submerged by 2100. According to experts, over the past 15 years, New Orleans has not recovered from the devastating hurricane Katrina. The city is located on the delta of the Mississippi River, which makes New Orleans vulnerable to flooding. The majority of city areas are below sea level. Currently, a significant part of New Orleans’ territory is already sinking.

Miami, Florida

Florida is another US megacity which is in danger of flooding. Nowadays, most of the houses and roads in the city are under water. According to a 2018 report made by the Union of Concerned Scientists, about 12 thousand homes in Miami will be at risk of chronic flooding in the next 30 years. Analysts suggest that the property worth about $6.4 billion is in danger of sinking.

Houston, Texas

Houston is one more American city that is already going down into the ocean at a rate of 5 cm per year. The main reason for this is groundwater pumping which changes pressure and leads to soil subsidence. Experts believe that the city is vulnerable to flooding and fear that it can be completely wiped out by the sea-level rise.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City has been repeatedly flooded. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy left around 70% to 80% of property in the city underwater. Scientists consider this US metropolis to be the most prone to flooding. According to experts, there is a 90% probability that Atlantic City will sink in the future.

Queens, New York City Borough

Queens, a borough of New York City, is also included in the list of potentially flooded cities. Experts suggest that this part of the city is in real danger of going underwater. Around 2,700 houses are expected to be wiped out by the sea-level rise with some 7,200 residents displaced. Such destructions can cost the budget $1.2 billion.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is not expected to be entirely submerged by 2100. However, scientists fear that the city is likely to begin immersing in water. Experts suggest that part of the territory will remain on the land. Anyway, prophets of doom have long predicted that Boston may cease to exist one day. According to a 2016 survey, every sixth house in Boston is likely to be flooded by the end of the century.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is the seventh US city which is at risk of flooding by 2100. The metropolis is located at the intersection of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Experts have noticed that the water level in these facilities is constantly rising, increasing the risk of submerging in water. According to the study, Virginia Beach has one of the highest sea level growth rates on the East Coast.