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This is the dramatic moment when tourists who were taking selfies were washed away by a flash flood at a waterfall in Thailand.
The vactioners are said to have ignored warning signs as they slipped into a restricted zone at the Mae Sa Waterfall in Chiang Mai on August 15.
They were taking selfies on rocks in the river when the flash flood surged into the stream at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
Footage shows the visitors stranded as the water rapidly rose around them.
Raging currents swept several tourists downstream, while others screamed for help. One long-haired tourist was seen trying to crawl his way across the torrent.
Park rangers later arrived to pull the group back to safety. The tourists reportedly suffered only minor scratches and were given first aid.
An onlooker, Arttie Martin, said he was about to follow them into the river when the roaring waters suddenly surged from the mountain.
“It was truly a matter of split seconds,” he told Viral Press.
“I was just about to take off my shoes and walk into the middle to follow the foreigners and take a photo of the waterfall.”
“Just then, I heard an officer blow a whistle, and right after that, it unfolded exactly as seen. It happened so fast.
“I would like to clarify first that posting this clip is not intended to violate anyone’s privacy or publish images of the individuals featured without permission.
“If any part of this makes those appearing in the clip feel uncomfortable, I sincerely apologize.
“I am sharing this because I want it to serve as a cautionary tale for all tourists.
“Especially during the rainy season, when visiting waterfalls, you should exercise extra caution, observe warning signs and instructions from staff, and continuously monitor the colour, level and current speed of the water, as conditions can change extremely quickly.”
Park staff said the incident occurred at around 4:20 p.m. local time.
At the time, officers were stationed at several locations near the waterfall. They said they told the tourists to leave the water shortly before the flash flood struck.
Authorities said water levels have receded, but the Mae Sa waterfall remains closed to the public.
The Northern Meteorological Centre warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall across the northern region, including Chiang Mai, from August 18 to 21.
Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in some areas of the North due to a monsoon trough passing through the northern and upper northeastern regions, combined with a relatively strong south-west monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
Residents were urged to be vigilant for flash floods, especially in hillside areas near waterways and low-lying areas.
Travellers were warned to avoid flood-prone routes.
Thailand is at the peak of its monsoon season, which usually runs from May through October, bringing storms and flooding.
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