This is the dramatic moment panicked tourists fled from a sudden waterfall surge in the Philippines.

Families were enjoying swimming in the scenic falls when the water turned muddy in Misamis Oriental province's Kanapula falls, on May 22.

Only seconds later, a heavy stream of water gushed down, sending terrified tourists - some were children clinging to their parents for safety - fleeing for their lives.

Fortunately, no one was reported hurt in the incident but tourism officers warned against swimming in waterfalls during the rainy season.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer Mariano Trompeta said: ‘We want to warn the citizens against swimming in the waterfalls. These attractions are dangerous during this rainy season.'

Heavy downpour reportedly battered the mountain peak which gushed down into the waterfall where the families were swimming. The area had been closed off to visitors following the incident.

The rainy season officially began in the country on May 18. The Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand are in the middle of their tropical monsoon rainy season, which lasts until October or November.