The torrential rain began on Monday, according to the Press Trust of India. As of Saturday, at least 39 people had been killed in flood-related incidents in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, and more than 70,000 were forced to evacuate from low-lying areas.

Many people were killed when they were swept away by rushing floodwaters, or when weak walls collapsed on them.

High water levels submerged roads and railways, while crops in the so-called Rice Bowl region were destroyed.

The extreme weather has prompted a massive relief effort. Displaced people were being housed in 178 different camps, the local Disaster Management Department said.

Rescue workers were using boats and helicopters to reach those still stranded.

Just two weeks ago, Cyclone Phailin killed more than a dozen people and caused mass devastation to Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Nearly 1 million people were forced to evacuate the region. The powerful storm destroyed hundreds of homes and caused millions of dollars in crop damage.

dr/ch (AP, AFP)