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Chennai airport has been shut as a disaster zone was declared in the flood-hit region of southern India.
The city’s airport will remain closed until Sunday and train services are suspended.
A naval air base at Arakkonam, 43 miles from Chennai, is to be used as an alternative airport for relief operations.
Non-stop rain for nearly a week brought the city to a standstill last week.
Three days of fresh rains have again led to massive flooding, inundating homes, hospitals, roads, railway tracks and the airport.
More than 2,000 people are reported to have been rescued by the army.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued an updated travel advisory today, warning that further heavy rain is forecast over the next 72 hours.
“Chennai has been declared a disaster zone and the army are carrying out evacuations,” the FCO said. “The airport in Chennai remains closed.
“Transport, other local services and infrastructure have been severely disrupted and some roads have subsided.
“You should monitor local and international weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department and the media and follow the advice of local authorities and your travel company.”