Climate change fallout: New study reveals Vizag city may submerge by 2050

In its report, IPCC said global warming is dangerously close to spiraling out of control and it could result in rising sea levels across India.

The report said the most affected areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana include Sullurupeta, Kadapatra, Venadu, Sriharikota, Chinthavaram, Thamminapatnam, and Juvvaladinne.

Going further north, regions of Diviseema, Bhimavaram, Kaikaluru, Kakinadam and some parts of Visakhapatnam city are likely to be submerged by 2050.

In another study, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) said for the last 70 years, the sea level in the Vizag region has increased by 1 mm annually. The change in sea levels, one of the climate change effects, means the increased incidence of inundation and sea erosion.

Global warming is said to be one of the drivers of the accelerating rise of the sea around the globe. According to the International Panel on Climate Change's fifth assessment report, the global sea level has increased at an average rate of 1.8 mm/year in the last century.

The coastal areas of Maharashtra will be one of the worst affected regions in the country. It includes Mumbai, the business capital of India.

As per the graphical representation, it seems 65 percent of Mumbai will be submerged. Areas like Colaba, Dadar Bandra and most suburbs to the west part of Mumbai city will be submerged.

Even cities on the outskirts of Mumbai like Mira-Bhayander, Vasai, Virar and Nalasopara will be affected. Apart from Mumbai, several other coastal regions like Murud, Alibaug, and Konkan-Malvan stretch, Chiplun, and others are likely to be hit.

Several coastal regions of Gujarat will also be affected by the rising sea levels. These include Surat, Bharuch, and Bhavnagar. By 2050, Goa, known for its pristine beaches, will also see a considerable rise in sea levels. Areas like Mapusa, Chorao Island, Mulgao, Corlim, Dongrim, and Madkai are likely to be affected.