Over 300 people died and thousands were displaced as much of Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu were flooded after heavy rainfall.
Almost two weeks after unprecedented rains in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa reached out to people through an audio message on Tuesday.
In the 2.16 minute audio recording sent to mobile phones mostly via WhatsApp, Ms Jayalalithaa expressed sadness over the damage caused by floods.
"I'm for you. I'm with you always. Soon I will rescue you from this big calamity and help you reach new vigour. I've activated relief, rescue and rehabilitation on a war footing," she said.
"News has come from all places that people from all walks are helping with money and labour. I thank and appreciate your selfless service. My thoughts are with you," Jayalalithaa said.
Earlier during the day, she had issued a statement acknowledging civil society's role in rescue and relief operations.
Hitting out at the chief minister, DMK leader MK Stalin referred to her message as "crocodile tears" and asked "Why is Jayalalithaa not meeting the flood affected people".
On December 2, Chennai witnessed unprecedented floods after Chembarambakkam lake outside the city was let open to discharge surplus waters. The city remained crippled for three days without power, internet, food and drinking water.
The AIAMDK government came under criticism for releasing water from the Chembarambakkam lake which largely contributed to the city's flooding. Experts claim authorities failed to release water in advance to create space for the very heavy rains forecast.
Chief Secretary K Gnanadesikan, however, denied any mismanagement and claimed that all rules were followed and adequate warnings were issued.
He also said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued advisories of isolated heavy rainfall and not 50 cm rainfall.
The Madras High Court had also expressed concerns over lack of coordination in relief operations.
Over 300 people died and thousands were displaced as much of Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu were flooded after the highest rainfall in nearly a Century lashed the state over the past month.