Life comes to a standstill in rain-hit Chennai

Indians stand on the terrace of residential buildings waiting for food and relief material, Weeks of torrential rains have forced the airport in the state capital Chennai to close and have cut off several roads and highways, leaving tens of thousands of people stranded in their homes. The threat of the river overflowing its banks has led to fears the flooding could worsen. (AP Photo)

Even as the courage and power of humanity of the people of Chennai is visible for all to see as they battle floods, there are also several people are going all out to ensure stray animals and pets receive food and shelter as well. (AP Photo)

Nature tried its best to test human resolve, scores of local residents took it upon themselves to help others by opening their doors to those in need. Residents carry a goat out a boat after being rescued by army men from a residential area flooded following heavy rains. (AP Photo)

A massive relief operation by the Indian Army and Navy is underway in Chennai, which has been hit by severe torrential rains since last night. The downpour has triggered a deluge in the city, disrupting normal life. PM Modi has assured full support to the state as defence personnel step up rescue ops on war footing. In this photo Patients and their care takers being shifted to safe place from a flooded hospital. (PTI)

More than 150 people evacuated by ICG, 23 personnel and two officers in four boats engaged in rescue operations. An elderly woman is rescued from a residential area flooded following heavy rains in Chennai (AP Photo)

Navy and NDRF teams stepped up rescue operations in worst hit localities of the city that is also witnessing power outages. The Army has been deployed in two suburban areas to undertake rescue on a war footing. Many areas in low lying parts of the city are still water logged. (AP Photo)

Roads were flooded, houses and office buildings inundated and people were marooned across the city. Power supplies to many parts of the city have been cut off as a precautionary measure.(AP Photo)

Chennai is drenched in record breaking rains, it has been termed as the heaviest in over 100 years. People stand on a street that was flooded following heavy rains in Chennai. Incessant rains that lashed the city since Saturday night flooded several parts of Chennai. (AP Photo)

Indian Navy helicopter drops food packets to people surrounded by floodwaters following heavy rains in Chennai. Food has been provided to more than 1000 persons. Govt has sanctioned Rs. 5 crore along medicines and relief items. (AP Photo)

The rainfall is likely to continue for about a week, but situation critical for the next 48 hours. The Marina beach on the Bay of Bengal coast is partly covered with rainwater after heavy rains. The torrential rains have battered Tamil Nadu's northern districts such as Tiruvallur and Chennai (PTI)