New study finds 1 in 3 people in slums live in flood-prone areas, facing high risks of devastating floods.

By Aniket Chakraborty July 30, 2025 Arrow WORLD NEWS

The research shows flood risk is higher in the global south due to urbanization and climate change.

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Slum residents often have limited choices, pushing them into low-cost flood zones.

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The study used machine learning, satellite images, and surveys to assess flood vulnerability.

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Areas like northern India, Bangladesh, and Rio de Janeiro have the highest concentrations of vulnerable slum populations.

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Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest percentage of slum populations living in floodplains at 80%.

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Socioeconomic challenges, such as lack of infrastructure and poor access to social services, amplify flood vulnerability.

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Slums in cities like Mumbai, Dar es Salaam, and Jakarta are considered "low-value" but highly flood-prone.

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Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of floods in these regions.

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The study calls for policy changes to recognize slum populations as stakeholders in climate change responses.

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