Torrential floods left behind severe damage as they swept through northern Thailand following heavy overnight rains.

The monsoon rainstorm lashed Mae Hong Son province, causing streams to burst their banks and run off into nearby villages on Friday, September 8, evening.

The 10ft-deep deluge washed debris and mud into homes and tourist spots, including the Tham Pla-Namtok Pha Suea National Park.

One woman was reported missing and is feared drowned after she tried to drive through the floods on her motorcycle. Search operations are ongoing to find her.

Officials surveyed the damage on September 9 morning, and found the entrance to the Tham Pla Fish Cave strewn with dirt, mud, grass, and branches.

Three cars and three motorcycles were damaged after they were washed away by the currents, while seven stores in the area were also inundated.

The floods also submerged the Wat Phu Sama Wanaram temple, and rendered the Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge impassable.

Approximately 158 acres of rice fields were reported to have been damaged.

The rains had triggered a landslide along Highway 1095 linking Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai province. The road was closed as workers cleared the fallen boulders.

Authorities have described the flood as the 'most severe' they have encountered. They estimated it would take around two weeks for the area to recover.

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