More than 90 Malaysians still stranded in flood-battered Chennai

As Indian authorities intensify a massive search and rescue operation in flood-battered Chennai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, more than 90 Malaysians are still stranded in their hotel rooms and homes.

With torrential rains expected in the next 36 hours, danger continues to lurk in Tamil Nadu, warns the Indian Meteorological Department.

Already, as many as 269 people died as the rains pounded the state mercilessly while a loss of 54 lives was reported in Andhra Pradesh and two deaths recorded in the state of Puducherry.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Chennai late yesterday evening, more boats and helicopters were deployed to alleviate the situation in badly-affected areas struck by a second wave of flood.

When contacted, Malaysian Consul-General R. Citra Devi said until late last night, 249 Malaysians had contacted the flood crisis centre set up by her office for assistance.