Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Chennai floods: Video shows desperate attempts to flee devastation

The death toll has reached at least 269 people.

Marta Portocarrero
Friday 04 December 2015 09:02 EST
Comments
Death toll in India rains and floods reaches 269

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Thousands of people are trying to escape the devastating floods that have hit Chennai, fearing further heavy rain will cause more destruction.

After three days of heavy rainfall, floodwater have started to recede in parts of the city.

More than 7,000 people have been rescued but many are still stranded.

According to the Indian Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, at least 269 people have died as a result of the torrential downpours.

As the video shows, military helicopters dropped food to residents stranded on rooftops in Chennai, India’s fourth-largest city.

On Friday, the Defence Ministry doubled the number of soldiers deployed to help the rescue effort to 4,000.

It has been reported that the surrounding Tamil Nadu area has experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than a century, with three days rainfall affecting housing, hospitals and transport.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in