Cities sinking isn’t something most people think about every day, but it’s happening in these 13 places around the world. This slow drop in land levels can cause serious problems, from flooding to damage to buildings and roads. When too much water is taken from beneath the ground, the soil can compress and the land sink. This creates challenges that affect millions of people living in these areas.
Understanding why this happens helps us see the connection between urban life and the environment. It’s not just about nature doing its thing—human activity plays a big role. Looking at these sinking cities gives a clearer picture of the risks and what might be done to handle them better. It’s a great way to learn about the impact of our choices on the places we call home.
Venice, Italy
Venice has long been vulnerable to sinking, a process accelerated by natural sediment compaction and the withdrawal of groundwater during the 20th century. The city’s foundations rest on wooden piles driven into marshy soil, which are gradually weakening. Rising sea levels add pressure to the fragile environment, causing frequent flooding events known as “acqua alta.” Efforts such as the MOSE project aim to protect the city from high tides, but subsidence remains a persistent threat to its historic buildings and canals, requiring ongoing attention and maintenance.
Alexandria, Egypt
Coastal subsidence in Alexandria results from a combination of natural sediment compaction, groundwater extraction, and the city’s location along the Mediterranean coast. The soft deltaic soils beneath the city are gradually compressing, causing parts of the urban area to sink. This process, combined with rising sea levels, increases the risk of flooding and threatens historic sites and critical infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires improved water management practices, coastal protection measures, and urban planning strategies to reduce vulnerability and support the city’s continued development in a changing environment.
Manila, Philippines
Groundwater pumping to meet domestic, commercial, and industrial demands has led to significant land subsidence in Manila. Built on alluvial plains and reclaimed land, the city’s soft soils compress under pressure, causing parts of the urban area to sink. This sinking increases vulnerability to flooding, especially during typhoons and high tides. Authorities are working to reduce groundwater dependence and improve water resource management, but rapid urbanization and population growth continue to strain infrastructure and heighten the risks associated with subsidence and sea-level rise.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is built on the basin of a former lake, which contains thick layers of soft clay and sediment. Extensive groundwater extraction to supply the city’s large population has caused significant subsidence, with some neighborhoods sinking up to 30 centimeters annually. This sinking damages infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and sewage systems, and increases flood risk. Efforts to manage water resources and reduce pumping have been implemented, but the city continues to struggle with the consequences of its geographical setting combined with human activity.
Houston, USA
Extensive groundwater extraction for municipal, agricultural, and industrial uses has caused noticeable subsidence in the Houston metropolitan area. The region’s soft clay and sediment layers compress as water is withdrawn, leading to the gradual sinking of the land surface. This subsidence contributes to increased flooding risks and can damage infrastructure such as roads, pipelines, and buildings. Efforts to monitor and regulate groundwater use have been implemented, but balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability remains a complex issue for the area’s long-term resilience.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta is experiencing rapid land subsidence due to excessive extraction of groundwater to meet the demands of its growing population and industrial activities. This sinking is compounded by the city’s soft alluvial soil and heavy urban development. Some areas are descending by as much as 25 centimeters annually, increasing the risk of flooding, especially during high tides and heavy rains. The government has initiated projects to reduce groundwater use and improve drainage systems, but the combination of natural and human factors continues to challenge the city’s infrastructure and habitability.
Shanghai, China
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Rapid urban expansion and industrial growth have led to extensive groundwater extraction beneath Shanghai, causing the soft, deltaic soils to compact and the land to sink. Some districts experience subsidence rates of several centimeters annually, which threatens infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and the transportation network. The city’s location on the Yangtze River delta makes it vulnerable to flooding, and the sinking intensifies this risk. Authorities have introduced regulations to reduce groundwater pumping and promote alternative water sources, but balancing development demands with environmental stability remains a significant challenge.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Rapid population growth and urbanization have increased demand for groundwater in Dhaka, leading to significant subsidence in several parts of the city. The soft deltaic soil, combined with heavy water extraction, causes the land to compact and gradually sink. This sinking exacerbates the city’s vulnerability to flooding, especially during monsoon seasons and cyclones. Efforts to improve water supply infrastructure and manage groundwater use are underway, but the pace of urban expansion and environmental pressures continue to pose serious challenges to sustainable development in the region.
New Orleans, USA
New Orleans experiences sinking due to natural sediment compaction and the draining of wetlands around the city, combined with groundwater and oil extraction. Much of the city lies below sea level, making it particularly susceptible to flooding and storm surge damage. The subsidence exacerbates the challenges posed by hurricanes and rising sea levels. Extensive levee systems and pumping stations have been constructed to protect the area, but maintaining these defenses requires constant effort. The interaction between sinking land and water management remains a critical concern for the city’s future.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok faces significant land subsidence, largely caused by the overuse of groundwater to support its expanding urban and industrial zones. The city’s soft clay soils compress under the weight of buildings, and the excessive pumping of water accelerates this process. Some districts have sunk by several centimeters each year, increasing vulnerability to flooding during monsoon seasons and storm surges. Authorities are promoting alternative water sources and improving infrastructure to address these challenges, but balancing growth and environmental stability remains a complex issue for the metropolitan area.
Tokyo, Japan
Significant subsidence occurred in Tokyo during the mid-20th century due to heavy groundwater pumping to support industrial and residential growth. The soft alluvial plains beneath the city compressed under the weight of urban infrastructure, causing parts of the city to sink by up to 4 meters in some areas. Since then, strict regulations on groundwater extraction have reduced the rate of sinking, but some subsidence continues due to natural geological processes. Maintaining stability is crucial for protecting Tokyo’s extensive subway systems, roads, and buildings from damage related to land movement.
Karachi, Pakistan
Extensive groundwater withdrawal to meet the needs of Karachi’s growing population and industries has caused noticeable subsidence in various neighborhoods. The city’s coastal location and underlying alluvial soils contribute to the land’s gradual sinking. This phenomenon increases the risk of flooding and damages infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and drainage systems. Addressing subsidence requires integrated water management strategies and urban planning to reduce dependence on groundwater and mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities living in low-lying areas near the coast.
Lagos, Nigeria
Coastal subsidence in Lagos is driven by a combination of natural sediment compaction and extensive groundwater extraction to support the city’s rapidly growing population. The soft coastal soils compress under the weight of urban development, causing parts of the city to gradually sink. This process heightens the risk of flooding during heavy rains and storm surges, threatening infrastructure and residential areas. Efforts to improve drainage and regulate water use are ongoing, but the challenges posed by subsidence and climate change require coordinated urban planning and environmental management.
Slowly Sinking, But Still Standing.
Seeing how some cities are sinking shows how closely connected people and the environment are. What happens beneath the surface can greatly impact daily life, from homes to transportation and safety. It’s a reminder that managing natural resources carefully is important—not just for today but for the future as well. While the challenges are real, there are ways to slow down or reduce the sinking if cities take the right steps.
Paying attention to these changes helps us understand the bigger picture of urban growth and environmental balance. It’s about learning from what’s happening now to make smarter choices moving forward. Keeping an eye on these sinking cities can inspire better planning and action, making sure places where people live stay strong and steady for years to come.
