Torrential rains have flooded roads, disrupted railway services and forced authorities to scramble to rescue stranded people in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
The deluge came at a time when the state is still reeling from the devastation caused by Cyclone Michaung, which hit the coast this month and killed at least 13 people.
Tamil Nadu received nearly 50 mm of rainfall from Sunday to Monday, compared to the 2.5 mm that would be normal for this time of the year. Indian media reports that at least five people have died in floods and rain-related accidents that mainly affected Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari districts.
Footage from Indian news agency ANI showed entire neighbourhoods left under water, with houses looking like lonely islands surrounded by murky brown water.
Crews used inflatable rafts to rescue people from homes and temples, and to distribute food parcels to those who were unable to move to safety.
P. Veeramanikandan, a resident of Tirunelveli, who was among the volunteers helping the authorities in the rescue efforts, said some areas were still too dangerous to access. He noted:
Areas lying closer to riverbanks are still badly affected, while water levels in other areas are starting to recede.
As many as 500 passengers travelling to the capital Chennai were stranded at the railway station on Tuesday, more than 36 hours after their train was brought to an early halt due to suspension of rail services in the region, local media reported.
Chief Minister MK Stalin said at a media briefing that the state had received 12,653 people in 141 relief camps with food, water, medicines and relief items. Food distribution is also being done through helicopters.
Eight years ago, Tamil Nadu was hit by heavy rains that flooded large parts of its capital and killed about 290 people.
