This is the dramatic moment stranded hikers were evacuated as a river surged in the Philippines.

Footage shows mountaineer May clinging to a makeshift rope while crossing the raging waters in Toril, Davao City. A cord was also tied around her body to serve as a harness.

She was assisted by a bare-chested emergency responder wearing only jersey shorts and was met halfway by her friends at Viper's Peak, a popular hiking destination.

May said: 'That day, we really didn't expect things to turn out the way they did. The weather suddenly changed and it started pouring. It was actually my first time hiking, and honestly, I thought it might be my last.

'We didn't just cross one stream, but three. We couldn't even record it because of the heavy rain.'

'Still, it was a wonderful experience with my workmates, and I think I'll definitely go hiking again, just in a different place next time.'

No injuries were reported, and all the hikers were brought to safety on July 6.

Heavy rain flooded several areas in the region that day.

Rescue teams from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Philippine Army were deployed to assist residents in flood-affected villages.

The Philippines and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries are entering their annual monsoon season, marked by soaring temperatures followed by intense rainstorms.

The region's low-lying geography, inadequate drainage systems, and rapid urbanisation make it especially vulnerable to flooding.

Limited infrastructure often struggles to handle the heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread flash floods.