This was the moment a flash flood washed away part of a large herd of 50 cattle.

A few animals struggled to swim to the shore and local villagers managed to save many.

The incident occurred at Belthara village in Bilaspur district of Chattisgarh, India, on September 1.

A herd of cattle was crossing a bridge built across Arpa river when the water level started raising suddenly.

The scared herd huddled together and many on the edge of the bridge fell to the river, as the water rose.

Villagers standing on safe ground made noise and tried to make the herd cross the bridge. Though many managed to make it to safety, several animals were lost to the flood.

Eyewitness Kishore Thakur, 32, said: “At least 25 animals - nearly half of the herd - perished in the tragedy.”

Villagers said officials released water from the nearby Kori dam triggering the flood that swept away the herd in a matter of minutes.

“There was absolutely no warning from anyone that the dam gates were being opened. The government has to compensate the farmers who have lost the animals,” said Thakur.