Scientists have issued a dire warning: dozens of US cities are sinking, and the problem is only getting worse. A new study reveals that excessive groundwater extraction is causing land to collapse in urban areas, affecting 34 million people nationwide.
Cities like Houston, Las Vegas, and New York are among the hardest hit. Researchers found that at least 20% of urban land is experiencing subsidence, with Houston leading the pack. The study, published in Nature Cities, warns that this slow-motion disaster could lead to catastrophic flooding, crumbling infrastructure, and billions in damages.
Leonard Ohenhen, one of the study’s authors, explained that sinking land is especially dangerous near coasts. “When the ground drops while sea levels rise, flooding becomes inevitable,” he said. “We’re racing against time to prevent irreversible damage.”
The findings call for urgent action—better water management, stricter regulations on groundwater use, and improved urban planning. Without intervention, millions could soon find their homes and businesses underwater—literally.
