Bodies of water around the globe are reportedly turning blood red which has sparked a number of people to fear that the End Times are near. From seas to rivers, numerous bodies of water seemingly turn to blood overnight. With amazing pictures surfacing online of the incidents, a number of different groups are pointing to a biblical prophecy in

Revelation 16:4, which describes an angel pouring a vial over earthly waters that cause them to turn to blood as proof that the apocalypse is near. However, is there another explanation besides impending apocalypse that explains the strange phenomena?

Recently, a number of posts have been showing up in social media that indicate that the End Times are near thanks to photos of blood red seas across the globe. The Washington Post reported on one such incident in China that left the river in the city of Wenzhou a startling shade of red. Residents say they woke up to the strange sight with no explanation for the blood-red waters.

“A few people that were up and about at 5 a.m. said that everything was normal but then suddenly within the space of a few minutes the water started turning darker and eventually was completely red.”

With Wenzhou being a hub for the Christian faith, many calling it China’s Jerusalem, some in the area point to a prophecy in the Christian bible to account for the strange, bloody waters. Revelation 16:4 speaks of an angel pouring a vial over waters to turn them to blood.

“And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. [Revelation 16:4]”

Though many believed the red river to be a sign from the heavens, the Chinese government says there is a simple explanation for the red waters. Wenzhou Environmental Protection says that tests indicated that the waters were turned the frightening shade of red from illegal dumping, likely artificial coloring from the clothing industry.