The world's deadliest rivers.

 

The world's deadliest rivers.

See also:Today marks the anniversary of VE Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945

1. Cahills Crossing (Australia)

Cahills Crossing in Australia is infamous for being one of the most dangerous river crossings on Earth due to its high population of saltwater crocodiles. Located in the Northern Territory, this narrow causeway becomes submerged during high tide, turning into a crocodile feeding ground. Tourists and even locals have been attacked and killed while attempting to cross or fish nearby, often underestimating how quickly these predators can strike.

2. Congo River (Africa)

The Congo River is the deepest river in the world and one of the most powerful, with treacherous rapids and whirlpools that have claimed countless lives. Stretching across central Africa, it presents both a lifeline and a deadly force. Its unpredictable currents, large swells, and lack of infrastructure make navigation extremely hazardous, particularly for overloaded or poorly maintained vessels.

3. Rio Tinto (Spain)

The Rio Tinto in Spain is not dangerous due to animals or currents, but because of its extreme acidity and toxic chemical content, resulting from centuries of mining. The river’s reddish color comes from iron dissolved in the water, and its environment is so hostile to life that it’s often compared to conditions on Mars. Contact with the water can cause severe burns and skin damage, making it a lethal natural hazard.

4. San Juan River (Nicaragua/Costa Rica)

While the San Juan River itself may appear tranquil, it has been the site of historical conflicts and modern-day drug trafficking routes, making it perilous for both political and criminal reasons. The dense jungle surroundings can also make rescue or escape difficult for those who get into trouble in the region, with violence and disappearances sometimes reported.

5. Citarum River (Indonesia)

Often dubbed the most polluted river in the world, Indonesia’s Citarum River is filled with toxic industrial waste, plastic, and raw sewage. Local residents who rely on it for drinking and bathing face long-term exposure to dangerous chemicals and diseases. The toxic sludge has choked aquatic life and poses immense health risks to the millions who live nearby.

6. Yellow River (China)

Known as "China's Sorrow," the Yellow River has caused some of the deadliest floods in human history, with millions killed over the centuries. Its high sediment load raises the riverbed above surrounding plains, making levees prone to failure. Despite modern engineering efforts, sudden floods, landslides, and changing courses continue to make it one of the most dangerous rivers.

7. Niger River (West Africa)

The Niger River, while vital for agriculture and transport, has unpredictable flooding and is a breeding ground for waterborne diseases such as schistosomiasis. In addition to natural dangers, the river flows through politically unstable regions, where piracy and banditry can endanger travelers and locals alike, adding a human threat to its natural hazards.

8. Zambezi River (Africa)

The Zambezi River is renowned for its beauty—home to Victoria Falls—but also for its danger. It has fast-flowing rapids, strong undercurrents, and crocodile-infested waters. Many drownings have occurred during rafting expeditions, and locals are often attacked by crocodiles and hippos, two of Africa’s most dangerous animals.

9.The Ganges (India)

The Ganges is sacred to millions, yet it’s one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Human and industrial waste, religious offerings, and decomposing bodies contribute to a toxic mix. Pilgrims bathing in its waters risk severe infections, and those who rely on it for drinking water face long-term exposure to carcinogens and bacteria.

10. Niagara River (USA/Canada)

Though a popular tourist destination, the Niagara River has a powerful current and is responsible for many drownings and accidents. The most dangerous part is the stretch that leads to Niagara Falls, where even strong swimmers have been swept over the edge. Daredevils and unfortunate mishaps alike have made this river deadly despite its scenic appeal.

11. The Bolton Strid (UK)

A seemingly narrow stream in Yorkshire, the Bolton Strid hides a deadly secret: beneath its calm surface are deep underwater channels and powerful currents. The Strid’s banks funnel the River Wharfe into a tight gorge, creating a forceful underground torrent. It's said that no one who has fallen into it has survived, making it deceptively dangerous.

12. Boiling River (Peru)

Known as “Shanay-Timpishka,” the Boiling River in the Peruvian Amazon is geothermally heated to near boiling temperatures. Falling into its waters can cause third-degree burns or death in seconds. Despite being miles from the nearest volcano, underground heat vents keep this river lethally hot—mystifying scientists and endangering curious adventurers.