Wondering which rivers are the most dangerous rivers in the world? We are used to talking about human inventions and awesome technological advances and developments, but we tend to forget that some of the most impressive pieces of works are within nature itself. Indeed, nature has not only provided home, shelter and a means for men throughout history to survive to the present age of advancement, but has also been surprising us to this day with its many wonders. Yet, beyond beauty, nature can also lay claim to incomparable potency and unstoppable force, and this ever-present threat is manifested in some of the many rivers which snake through the cities, countries, and continents of our world.
Rivers network the entirety of the world, and its currents provide a much-needed source of water to each land they reach. Although not every river has water suitable for human consumption, rivers provide important sources of energy, allow transportation, and hold a vast ecosystem which feeds not only local fauna but also offers fresh fish for men to consume. Rivers are indeed vital for human survival, and some of them are considered particularly important sources of wealth. Taking a look at the list we’ve compiled of The 5 Longest Rivers in the World, we can see some of these waterways, like the Yenisei, can cover a length of over 3,448 miles.
Yet, despite being an important reserve of resources, rivers can also carry great risks. Some rivers produce constant flooding, have untamed wildlife and can have dangerous ravines and gorges. Rivers might be more powerful than what most people think, and can cause serious damage to nearby towns and anyone who wishes to explore them. We’ve compiled a list with some of the most dangerous rivers, taking into account the flow rate of the river. So if you are rather adventurous, check out this list we have compiled featuring the most dangerous rivers in the world!
No. 10 Mekong River
The Mekong River is the 7th longest river in Asia, and 11th in the world, and runs through China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma and Thailand. It has an approximate length of 2,703 miles, and has a very diverse ecosystem along its route, with rare species of dolphins and salt-water crocodiles. The strength of its rapids and its volume level makes it almost impossible to navigate. During 2000, the rapids produced a flood which killed 90 people, and in 2008, the Mekong River had its worst flood, causing $66 million in damages.
The countdown of the most dangerous rivers in the world continues on the next page with a journey to Siberia.
No. 9 Lena River
This river is considered the 10th longest river in the world, being about 2,734 miles long. It runs through Eastern Siberia, and joins two other rivers to flow into the Laptev Sea. The river is frozen during winter, and when spring comes, the ice melts, producing floods because ice blocks hinder the flow of water. The last tragedy took place during 2007, when the Lena River flooded, leaving more than 1,000 houses under water.
No. 8 Yenisei River
The Yenisei River is considered to be one of the largest rivers in the world, running through Mongolia and China, with about 3,448 miles of extension. The river has strong rapids which usually produce floods. Moreover, the part which goes through the Darkhad Valley is often blocked by ice, producing glacier retreat which, escaping from the river, have caused major disasters. Furthermore, the river has high levels of toxicity and radiation. It is contaminated by a bomb-grade plutonium-making factory, and has implanted itself in riverbeds, flood plains and the islands along the Yenisei, and is a health peril for nearby inhabitants.
No. 7 The Congo River
Considered the deepest river, the Congo River is located in Africa and has a total length of about 3,000 miles. The river has a 75 mile-long canyon, called the “Gates of Hell” with a rafter impossible to navigate. It ends abruptly with another 60 mile stretch, called “Stanley Falls”. This river was called “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad.
No. 6 The Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is about 4,000 miles long, and is a major source of income and resources for nearby inhabitants. Its “Three Gorges Dams” provide hydro-electricity to the Chinese population, and it also has vast aquatic life. Yet, the Yangtze is polluted by industrial waste. Flooding has caused a lot of damage in East China, which river banks haven’t been able to stop. The worst lethal episode of flooding took place in 1954, when 30,000 people lost their lives because of a flood. The scariest thing about this river is that it turned red in the section of Chongqing. Investigators are yet seeking explanations for this sudden change of color.
No. 5 The Mississippi River
The largest river in North America, The Mississippi River runs through different states, including Louisiana, Minnesota, Arkansas, Wisconsin and Iowa. The river has an extension of 2340 miles approximately, but its volume fluctuates along its trail. Its waters can be very powerful, with risky gorges and a rather unpredictable current. With various aquatic creatures, including bull sharks and large pike fish, the Mississippi River has diverse wildlife.
No. 4 The Orinoco River
Running through South America at about 1330 miles in length, it has over 200 branches and several waterfalls. It is very difficult to navigate because of its rapids, and is surrounded on both sides by dense rainforest, especially when crossing through Venezuela and Colombia. The Orinoco River is prone to flooding and hinders nearby inhabitants. Moreover, it experiences a coastal upswelling, posing threats to locals.
No. 3 The Parana River
The Parana River runs for about 3,000 miles, crossing Argentina and Paraguay. The Parana River has strong currents, and produces constant floods, producing serious damage to constructions, and nearby towns. Moreover, it erodes river shores, destroying buildings and houses.
No. 2 Brahmaputra River
The Brahmaputra River, located in Bahaduradbad, Bangladesh, runs through the Himalayas, the Assam Valley, and Bangladesh, with a length of approximately 1,800 miles. The river is navigable, and is used for transportation and irrigation. Yet, its flooding has caused serious damages to nearby towns, especially when the snow of the Himalayas melts down in the spring, increasing its water volume. Moreover, the Brahmaputra River has something called a tidal bare; this is when incoming tides form waves that travel up the river against the direction of the current, which creates tidal waves, and makes the river very hard to navigate.
No. 1 The Amazon River
The Amazon River is one of the largest in the world, and has a volume of water which is considered the largest on the planet. Its aquatic life is diverse and its fish can grow enormously, with some of the biggest Anaconda snakes ever seen. The Amazon River has really aggressive and surprising species of sharks. Furthermore, it is so powerful that at some points, it cannot even be crossed by a bridge. It releases 8 trillion gallons of water each day, and is said to be about 150 feet deep.
