ADB warns of rising coastal flood losses

Annual economic losses from coastal flooding in the Asia-Pacific region could rise more than sixfold by 2050 without adequate protective measures, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has warned.

According to the ADB’s Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2026: Coastal Risks on the Rise—Actions for a Resilient Future, published on Wednesday, annual flood losses across 30 coastal economies could rise from $27 billion currently to $172 billion–$199 billion by 2050 and $520 billion–$739 billion by 2100.

The report said investing $9 billion–$19 billion annually in coastal protection could help prevent $178 billion–$360 billion in flood damage each year.

More than 400 million people in ADB member countries live within 10 kilometres of the coast, leaving millions vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather.

Major cities, including Bangkok, Jakarta, Kolkata and Mumbai, face growing flood risks. Meanwhile, small island states could suffer annual flood losses equivalent to 30–60 per cent of their GDP by 2100 under a high-emissions scenario.

The ADB urged governments to integrate climate adaptation into development plans, strengthen governance and ensure adequate public and private financing to protect coastal communities and economies.

-AJM