China's Qiantang River Famous for Tidal Bore
People Taking Photos by Riverside Swept Away by Waves
"Serious Safety Negligence" Criticized
People trying to avoid the waves as they rise in the Qiantang River, China. Source= X (formerly Twitter)
Tourists were seen being swept away in a Chinese river famous for its "tidal bore," a phenomenon created where seawater meets river water.
On the 8th (local time), a video was posted on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption "People dangerously taking photos at the Qiantang River in China recently." The footage, reportedly filmed on the 4th, shows tourists watching the waves along the Qiantang River bank suddenly being swept away by a large incoming tide.
Several people standing by the riverbank were busy filming the waves with their phones. However, an unexpectedly large wave surged in, catching them off guard. Most of the people by the riverbank were knocked down by the strong current. One citizen barely managed to stand up and help a child who had fallen nearby, but some were carried away by the water, unable to maintain their balance.
Exact casualties have not yet been confirmed. Currently, two videos showing the same scene from different angles are spreading online. Taiwanese media Dongsen News reported, "Witnesses screamed in shock, and one father desperately held onto his children," adding, "According to officials, after the wave passed, people barely crawled out, and some were already missing after being swept away."
Meanwhile, the Qiantang River is the largest river in Zhejiang Province. It is famous among tourists for the "tidal bore," a phenomenon where the moon's gravitational pull causes seawater to rise and rush inward along the river. This tidal bore is known to occur annually between July and early October due to the difference in tides. A similar accident occurred at the Qiantang River in 2013, injuring at least 30 people.
Netizens who saw the video responded with comments such as, "Taking photos in such a dangerous place is the problem itself," "I hope everyone is safe," "They should block access to prevent people from getting too close since you never know when the waves will hit," and "This is a serious safety negligence."
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