This is the moment two women are almost crushed to death as an aluminium board traps them underneath during a severe storm.

The footage, recorded in Baixada Fluminense, in south-eastern Brazil, shows three people holding a large aluminium board, seemingly trying to prevent it from being taken away by strong winds.

But as it overturned, it trapped two of them underneath.

The two women were only freed when bystanders gathered and helped them, while others can be seen watching from aside.

According to reports, the women were trying to place it over a stall selling pastel, a type of Portuguese egg custard pastry, and shield it from the heavy rain when it overturned.

They were not injured in the incident, according to local media.

Some netizens criticised the people who were just watching from the sides instead of helping.

X user ‘Anderson Belem’ said: “The guys didn’t help.

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“In other times, in the days of my old man, times of macho men, I doubt a man would watch a woman get f*cked like that…

“My father already got off the bus, made the driver stop and several other guys got out to help the unknown woman who was choking on the street.(…)

“Today I’m in doubt about what to teach my boy about this point of chivalry, he’s 12.

“I have 2 daughters, I teach him to protect them under any circumstances. But because they are his sisters and not because they are women.

“The world is strange, going through many revisions and only time will tell if we are getting it right or wrong!”

Heavy rains have battered the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro since 11th January.

Wind gusts are said to have reached 70 kph (43 mph) at Santos Dumont Airport.

Power outages have been recorded in Duque de Caxias, Nova Iguacu and Rio de Janeiro.