This is the dramatic moment raging floodwaters swept vehicles amid heavy rainfall in China.

Dozens of parked cars were carried away by a strong current in Xianfeng, Hubei.

Footage shows the four-wheelers half-submerged as they drift away from the streets on the evening of June 30.

Local media reported that several parts of the town were inundated and roads became impassable, making it difficult for emergency workers to respond.

Authorities helped evacuate more than 18,000 residents to temporary shelters.

The Xianfeng County Meteorological Bureau issued a red alert for heavy rain on July 1.

The agency reported that Gaoleshan Town had received 353.4 millimeters of precipitation within 12 hours, meeting the threshold for an extreme rainstorm.

The region's eastern rainy season typically begins in April and peaks in July and August.