This is the shocking moment a water main bursts, sending tens of thousands of litres gushing through a street in China.

Footage shows a calm setting in Chibi, Hubei, when locals suddenly rush into the shops as brown water erupts from under the paving stones on March 21.

The force of the eruption causes pavers to be displaced and sent spinning through the water while a mother with a baby in her arms seeks shelter from the rising floodwaters.

As the flow continues, it begins to inundate the shops, with owners unable to prevent the increasing tide.

Reports indicated that an underground water main had ruptured earlier in the day, leading to pressure building up beneath the road.

Chibi Water Group confirmed that the pipe is being repaired and has advised shopkeepers to submit claims for compensation.