In the UK, there are different types of flows, such as mud, debris and rock.

Two of the most common in the UK are mud flows and debris flows.

Mudflows specifically can be found on the south coast of England.

They are often associated with larger complex landslides such as Stonebarrow Hill in Dorset, reports British Geological Survey.

The Northern Echo: This is what can cause a mudslideThis is what can cause a mudslide (Image: Getty)

What is a mudslide? This is what causes them to happen

A mudslide is a type of “fast-moving landslide that follows a channel, such as a river,” according to National Geographic.

It adds: “A landslide, in turn, is simply when rock, earth, or other debris moves down a slope.”

National Geographic explains: “Mudslides occur after water rapidly saturates the ground on a slope, such as during a heavy rainfall.”

Research hydrologist Jim O'Connor added: “It doesn't take high relief in the topography to create a slide. Rather, it just takes a pull of gravity strong enough to bring down material that is made fluid enough by water.”

O’Connor also said mudslides tend to happen during wet seasons.

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What is the difference between a mudslide and a landslide?

Landslides occur when masses of rock, earth or debris move down a slope, whereas mudslides which is a type of landslide, are when mud flows tend to flow in channels.

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How are mudslides prevented?

National Geographic commented: “Strategies to decrease the risk of mudslides include draining water off hillsides, armoring the bases of hills so they are not undercut by rivers, and ‘loading the toe,’ says O'Connor.

“In the case of ‘loading the toe,’ engineers put heavy mass, such as large rocks, at the base of a hill to try to anchor the slope and prevent it from coming loose.

“O'Connor says the piles of rock that are often seen at the base of roadcuts are the most visible example of that strategy.”