Now that the flood water have receded, filth, including rotting carcasses of dogs and cats, fill the area.
In Chennai's suburb Tambaram, the Baskarans have had trouble breathing for almost two weeks. Water mixed with sewage had flooded entered their Bharathi Nagar home when floods struck. The stench had been unbearable.
Now that the water has receded, things are not much better. They are surrounded by filth, which includes rotting carcasses of dogs and cats. And they are just one of the more than 2,000 families, who live marooned in waist deep waters in this neighborhood.
Bangaru Basker, a home maker, said, "Many dogs and cats have died. No action has been taken. It is unhygienic everywhere. It is a miracle we survive".
Pavithra, her neighbour said, "There is sewage and contaminated water here. It is very risky."
Close by at Varadarajapuram, filthy waters literally flow through V Latha's home. But despite knowing that, the authorities had forced her out of a relief centre and sent her home.
Their reason -- the relief centre was at a school that needed to be reopened.
Disease has become a prime concern for every resident. "We are worried about the possibility of dengue. Even snakes and rats come here," said Latha.
District Collector R Gajalakshmi, however, said mobile medical teams were on the move.
"We are removing all carcasses. We are almost done. For the mosquito problem, we will drop oil balls".
Those marooned, however, say the authorities have not come to their areas.
Mani, a resident, said, "Nobody has come so far, except the local councillor. We live in cesspools. The threat of disease breaking out looms large".
Over the last few weeks, Chennai has been lashed by more rain that it does over the full monsoon season. Across the state, 176 people have died.