DHAKA: Floodwaters have started receding from parts of the southern Indian city of Chennai, hours after it experienced a respite from rain.

More than 7,000 people have been rescued so far, but many are still stranded, reports the BBC.

PM Narendra Modi, who travelled to Chennai, has promised $150m to the flood-hit Tamil Nadu state.

More than 260 people have died in the floods in the state after the heaviest rainfall in a century.

A depression in the Bay of Bengal triggered rains in coastal areas.

Last month, non-stop rain for nearly a week brought the city to a standstill.

Three days of fresh rains have again led to massive flooding, inundating homes, hospitals, roads, railway tracks and the city's airport. Forecasts of more showers remain in place.

Schools, colleges and factories are shut, exams postponed and power supply suspended in most parts of the city. An oil refinery has stopped operations.

Reports say there has been no rain in Chennai on Friday morning and water levels are receding in some parts of the city.

A naval air base at Arakkonam, 70km (43 miles) from the Tamil Nadu state capital, is now being used as a makeshift airport with seven commercial flights expected to operate on Friday and Saturday.

Train services will remain suspended until Saturday, officials say.

BDST: 1334 HRS, DEC 04, 2015
SR