The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has been battered by heavy rains since the last one week, resulting in over 70 deaths and flooding. Its capital Chennai has also been badly hit by torrential downpour, resulting in low-lying areas being submerged and residents stranded without electricity or water.

The intense showers were caused by the formation of a trough of low pressure over the Bay of Bengal. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted that as this depression moves northwards, the showers will persist for three days, but will get reduced.. The neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh has also been lashed by heavy rains.

People make their way in a canoe on a flooded street following heavy rain in Chennai on Nov. 16.

People make their way on a flooded street following heavy rain in Chennai on Nov. 16. Image: STR/AFP

Men make their way on a flooded street in Chennai on Nov. 9, following heavy rain from an approaching cyclonic system off the coast. Image: STR/AFP

The Indian army and airforce are carrying on rescue efforts by evacuating stranded people with boats and helicopters, and air-dropping food and water packets. In the last few days, daily life in Chennai has been halted, with trains being cancelled, schools and college closed, and many roads flooded.

Men make their way on a flooded street following heavy rain in Chennai on Nov. 16.

A Indian couple walk with an umbrella in a waterlogged Marina beach during heavy rains in Chennai. Image: Arun Sankar K/Associated Press

Residents took to social media to provide updates on the floods, through Facebook groups and Twitter handles such as @ChennaiRains and @ChennaiWeather.