Tourist Falls at Victoria Falls: Search Mission Launched
A popular waterfall area presents a high risk to visitors due to wet, slippery rocks and steep cliffs, according to a recent advisory. The area remains open, but caution is strongly advised.
Water Safety & Waterfall Hazards
Waterfalls, while scenic, inherently pose dangers to those who approach them. The primary hazards stem from the combination of unstable footing and the force of the water. Rocks near waterfalls are consistently wet from spray, creating slippery surfaces that increase the risk of falls. Additionally, the terrain surrounding waterfalls is often steep and rocky, exacerbating the consequences of a slip or misstep.
The National Park Service highlights that approximately 100 people die each year in the United States from falls near or in water,wiht waterfalls contributing to a meaningful portion of these incidents.
Landslide Risk Near waterfalls
The constant erosion caused by water flow can destabilize the cliffs surrounding waterfalls,increasing the risk of landslides. Landslides can occur with little to no warning, posing a serious threat to anyone nearby.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), landslides cause an average of more than $2 billion in damages and 50 fatalities per year in the United States, and areas near waterfalls are especially susceptible.
Flash Flood Potential
Rainfall upstream from a waterfall can cause a sudden and dramatic increase in water flow, leading to flash floods. Flash floods can quickly inundate areas near the base of a waterfall, sweeping away anyone caught in the current.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than half of all flood deaths are vehicle-related, but pedestrian fatalities near waterways, including waterfalls, are also common during flash flood events.
(bnl/wsw)