One of the worlds largest cities is sinking by nearly a foot annually — risking displacement of millions of citizens
Mexico City is sinking at a rate of nearly 10 inches per year due to groundwater depletion and its foundation on an ancient lake bed, making it one of the fastest-subsiding cities in the world. Satellite data from NASA's NISAR mission has enabled researchers to monitor the subsidence in near real time, revealing severe damage to infrastructure and uneven sinking across regions. The continued decline threatens millions of residents, with risks including structural collapse and future water shortages.
- ▪Mexico City is sinking at a rate of nearly 10 inches per year, primarily due to excessive groundwater pumping and its location on a drained lake bed.
- ▪Some areas of Mexico City, such as the central airport and the Angel of Independence monument, are sinking at a rate of 0.78 inches per month.
- ▪The subsidence has caused significant structural damage, including tilted historic buildings and collapsed houses, particularly in the Iztapalapa region.
- ▪NASA’s NISAR satellite collected data between October 2025 and January 2026, enabling precise, frequent monitoring of ground movement across the city.
- ▪Experts warn that continued aquifer depletion could lead to both extreme land subsidence and a future water crisis for the city.
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Science One of the worlds largest cities is sinking by nearly a foot annually — risking displacement of millions of citizens By Ben Cost Published May 4, 2026, 1:03 p.m. ET Satellite photos by NASA show that Mexico City is sinking nearly 10 inches per year, making it the fastest-subsiding city on Earth. AP North America’s largest city is experiencing a slump … literally. Mexico City is reportedly sinking at such a rapid rate that its descent is visible from space. Satellite photos by NASA have shown that the Mexican metropolis is subsiding at a rate of nearly 10 inches per year, making it one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world — which could threaten its foundation, the AP reported. Two people standing outside a sinking building in Mexico City.
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