Woman climbs out of window in Chennai, flooded by heavy overnight rain
As Chennai battled flooding after incessant rain, people were seen climbing out of their homes or climbing onto floating barrels.
Television footage showed residents in a low-lying area swimming out of their home and then holding on to a window ledge to move to safety.
In the Annanagar area, people fashioned a raft by tying two drums with a rope. It helped people carry their children and belongings along.
Ropes were also tied to trees in a makeshift "zipline".
Some formed convoys to pick up and drop people stranded in public transport or their cars on the road.
In areas like Gudvancheri and Urapakkam, the army was out helping passengers in stranded buses. Personnel of the navy and the National Disaster Response Force were also at work.
The Tamil Nadu government has said all navy ships in Chennai are on standby for rescue.
Stranded people used social media to ask for help.People also posted messages offering beds, food and blankets. Cinemas, temples, mosques and offices opened their doors to people who could not reach home.
People also offered to recharge phones, with the city getting erratic power supply.
Emergency Toll Free Number: 1910, State Emergency: 1070, District Emergency: 1077, Electricity:1912, Fire & Rescue: 101, Ambulance: 108, Tree fall, waterlogging - 1913, Sewage overflow - 45674567, 22200335
Helpline Numbers: Tiruvottiyur : 09445190001, Manali: 09445190002; Madhavaram: 9445190003, Ambattur: 9445190007; Tondiarpet: 9445190004, Royapuram: 9445190005; Annanagar: 9445190008, Teynampet: 9445190009, Alandur: 9445190012, Adyar: 9445190013,Perungudi: 9445190014
Flood Control Room: 28593990, 044-28410577,9445869843/47