Tidal bore bursts in eastern China

Policemen and residents run as waves from a tidal bore surge past a barrier on the banks of Qiantang River in Haining, Zhejiang province on August 31, 2011. As Typhoon Nanmadol approaches eastern China, the tides and waves in Qiantang River recorded its highest level in 10 years, local media reported. (Reuters)

Tourists are evacuated after a tidal bore breaks through the dam by the Qiangtang River in Haining, east China's Zhejiang province on August 31, 2011. Visitors gather to experience the Qianjiang Tidal Bore from early morning, an annual tradition for the residents living nearby. (AFP)

Tourists crowd to see tidal waves hitting the bank of Qiantang River during tidal bore in Haining city in eastern China's Zhejiang province on August 31, 2011. (AP/STR)

Visitors gather to experience the Qianjiang Tidal Bore from early morning, an annual tradition for the residents living nearby. (AFP)

The spectators flee as waves created by a tidal bore crash over a barrier on the Qiantang river at Hangzhou, in east China's Zhejiang province. (AP/STR)

In this Wednesday Aug. 31, 2011 photo, spectators flee as waves created by a tidal bore crash over a barrier on the Qiantang river at Haining, in east China's Zhejiang province. (AP/STR)

In this Wednesday August 31, 2011 photo, an injured woman is carried away after waves created by a tidal bore crash over a barrier on the Qiantang river at Haining, in east China's Zhejiang province. About 20 people were injured when they were caught too close to the river while viewing the annual tidal bore, which occurs when sea water from an unusually high tide funnels into the river, creating high waves. (AP/STR)

A crowd of Chinese tourists run away as a tidal bore breaks through the dam by the Qiangtang River in Haining, east China's Zhejiang province on August 31, 2011. (AFP)