This is the amusing moment stranded locals used a bench to cross a flood during a storm.

James Fampulme and his friends had called for a taxi using a ride-hailing app when the heavy rain hit the Blumentritt area of Manila, the Philippines, on June 19.

Footage shows the group stepping on a plastic bench to reach the car from the sidewalk as the water level rose.

Hilariously, a girl dressed in all white nearly fell into the flood when the table she was standing on toppled over. She managed to step on the bench just in time to avoid being drenched.

James said: 'I nearly died laughing. It's a good thing the little boy was there to help us cross the flood by moving the bench around. We gave him some money for his efforts.'

The Philippines and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are approaching their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.