Deadly river of ‘black sludge’ filled with debris filmed flooding through Arizona after wildfires
A TERRIFYING river of black sludge has been captured flooding through the rural US in shocking footage.
A short video posted to social media shows a rapid stream of muck and debris ploughing down a dirt water channel in Pima County, Arizona.
Following wildfires, even a small amount of rainfall can create deadly torrents of what scientists call "debris flows".
"Wildfires ... leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water," the Pima County account tweeted.
"Even a light rain can produce devastating flash floods and mudflows, often with little warning."
"It takes much less rainfall to trigger debris flows from burned basins than from unburned areas. In Southern California, as little as 7 millimeters (0.3 inches) of rainfall in 30 minutes has triggered debris flows."
Flash floods and debris flows have proved deadly in the past.
In 2018, 13 people in two California towns died as a result of mud flows following the Thomas Fire.
Floods can turn roads into rivers and are a risk for years following a major wildfire.
"Floods can happen anywhere and at any time," the Pima County Twitter account warned.
The Bighorn Fire has spread across 120,000 ares (485 square kilometers) in the area, according to officials.
In other news, the next five years are to be the "hottest EVER" with soaring temperatures bringing droughts, floods and hurricanes.
This sea level "doomsday" simulator reveals whether YOUR home would be wiped out by rising oceans.
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And experts think climate change could cause areas of the ocean to turn a "deep green" colour by 2100.
Are you worried about flash floods? Let us know in the comments!
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