New Year’s Day celebrations were interrupted when flash floods suddenly swept through a village in the Philippines.

Residents were in their homes partying, while some already asleep, when a river burst its banks and reached nearby homes in Negros Occidental province on January 1.

John Agustin, who lives in the village, said they didn’t have enough time to leave their homes as it had submerged the area too fast.

He said: ‘It’s a good thing the rescuers were on stand-by, even during the holidays. We were able to help out neighbours who were badly affected.’

The rescuers installed lifelines from higher ground to the homes of residents who needed help.

No one was reported hurt in the incident although some of the properties were damaged after being soaked in muddy water.