Terrifying video captured the moment a group of tourists taking selfies at a popular waterfall in Thailand were suddenly swept away by a raging flash flood.
The frightening incident unfolded Aug. 15 at Mae Sa Waterfall in Chiang Mai, where the visitors reportedly entered a restricted area despite warning signs at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
The tourists had climbed onto rocks in the river to snap photos when the water began rising with alarming speed.
Within moments, the calm-looking stream turned into a violent torrent.
Video from the scene shows several tourists stranded as muddy water crashes around them. Some can be heard screaming for help while others desperately try to keep their footing.
At least several people were swept downstream by the powerful current.
One long-haired tourist could be seen struggling on his hands and knees as he attempted to crawl across the rushing water without being carried away.
Park rangers rushed in and eventually managed to pull the group to safety.
Miraculously, officials said the tourists escaped with only minor scratches and were treated with first aid.
Witness Arttie Martin said he had been moments away from entering the river himself when everything suddenly changed.
“It was truly a matter of split seconds,” Martin told Viral Press.
He said he was preparing to take off his shoes and walk into the water to take photos when he heard a park officer blowing a whistle.
Seconds later, the flood came roaring down from the mountain.
Martin later shared the footage as a warning to other tourists, urging visitors to take posted signs and instructions seriously — especially during Thailand’s rainy season.
He said travelers should pay close attention to the color, level and speed of water around waterfalls because conditions can become dangerous incredibly quickly.
Park officials said the incident happened at about 4:20 p.m. local time.
Rangers were already stationed around the waterfall and reportedly warned the tourists to get out of the water shortly before the flash flood hit.
Authorities said water levels later dropped, but Mae Sa Waterfall remained closed to visitors.
The frightening close call comes as northern Thailand faces the threat of additional severe weather.
The Northern Meteorological Centre warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall could strike Chiang Mai and other northern areas from Aug. 18 through Aug. 21.
Officials warned that the combination of a monsoon trough and strong southwest monsoon conditions could trigger more flash flooding, particularly near hillsides, waterways and low-lying areas.
Residents and tourists have been urged to stay alert and avoid flood-prone roads and recreation areas.
Thailand is currently in the heart of its monsoon season, which typically stretches from May through October and can bring sudden downpours, flooding and dangerously fast-changing conditions.
