This is the terrifying moment a huge high-tide wave crashed onto a road with bustling traffic in China as the gushing water swept away a dozen vehicles.

Viral footage shows the massive tidal wave rushing onto the busy road near the Qiantang River in eastern Chinese city Hangzhou on Sunday, swallowing a queue of cars within seconds.

The tidal bores occurring in Hangzhou’s Qiantang River is said to be the largest of their kind in the world, with tides reaching up to 30 feet and going as fast as 40 km/h (about 25 mph), according to reports.

The roar of the tidal wave can be heard for hours before it bores up the river, and the river’s water stays risen for several hours after the bore passes.