This is the moment residents crossed a flimsy bamboo bridge to escape a surging river in the Philippines.

The locals were having a picnic near the stream when the water suddenly swelled and left them stranded in Labo town in Camarines Norte province on July 10.

Officials brought a rope to help them cross the skeletal bamboo bridge safely. The flash flood was reportedly caused by mountain runoff after heavy rain fell in the region.

Onlooker Lea Edora said: 'They panicked because the torrent was so strong. Luckily, there were town officials nearby who threw them the lifeline.

Authorities have warned other residents to be careful when swimming in the river. No one was injured during the incident.

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.

Soaring temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius are often followed by powerful tropical storms with thunder, lightning, rain and flash floods.