They came in their droves, all hoping to catch a glimpse of
what is considered to be one of Mother Nature's more unusual spectacles.
However, these spectators unwittingly became part of the
show when a huge tidal bore burst through a dam and spilled over the riverbank,
sweeping scores of tourists off their feet.
One moment these bystanders stood transfixed at the banks of
the Qiantang River in Haining, in east China's Zhejiang province, waiting to
witness the natural phenomenon. See more photos below:
The next they were running for their lives as a huge wave
came crashing towards them, engulfing the crowds while others looked on
helplessly.
While there were no fatalities, more than 20 people were
injured after the wave swept through the throng, and some had to be be carried
to receive medical attention.
The astonishing natural phenomenon, which is an abrupt uprising
of river water, happens when the moon's gravity influence tides from the sea,
moving them upstream, resulting in the mesmerising bore.
More than 20 people were injured by the rogue wave, with
many needing to be carried away for treatment.
Despite the authorities warning onlookers to stand back from
the river bank, many failed to heed the advice and ended up trying to out-run
the wave when it headed towards them.
Bores only occur in a few locations throughout the world,
usually in areas with a large tidal range and where incoming tides are
funnelled into a shallow, narrowing lake or river.
China's Qiantang River boasts the largest bore, up nine
metres - or 30 feet high - and travelling up to 25mph.
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