Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin full support of the Centre to step up rescue and relief work in the wake of the floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Chennai and coastal districts of the state.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said: "Spoke to Tamil Nadu CM, Thiru @mkstalin and discussed the situation in the wake of heavy rainfall in parts of the state. Assured all possible support from the Centre in rescue and relief work. I pray for everyone’s well-being and safety."

Incessant rain in Chennai and its adjoining areas have led to flash floods disrupting normal life and the National Disaster Response Force has been called in to assist in rescue work.

Schools and colleges in Chennai and three other districts have been ordered to stay shut for the next two days as heavy rain hammers several parts of north coastal Tamil Nadu.

Most government offices will remain shut on Monday. Chief Minister M K Stalin has appealed to private firms to announce a holiday or allow employees to work from home.

With the lakes around Chennai overflowing, water is being released from the Chembarambakkam lake.

Officials said this regular discharge of water will not lead to flooding but if there is excess rain, areas around Muduchur may get inundated.

 A flood alert has been issued in Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts on the banks of River Adyar. Schools have been ordered to stay shut in Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram districts.

Also Read: Heavy rains batter Chennai, rail & road links cut off, schools shut

Meanwhile, Chennai and nearby areas got some respite as the rain eased on Monday morning. After the record 21 cm recorded till Sunday, it was down to 6 cm rain till 5:30 this morning.

However, the weather office has forecast “heavy to very heavy rainfall” today in 14 Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, Vellore, Nagapattinam, Karaikal.

The Chennai Corporation has set up pump sets in 500 locations to remove the logged water.

"Water is receding fast as we had desilted storm water drains. The 21 cm rain is a challenge and the the drain got exhausted," Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi was cited as saying by NDTV.

Chief Minister MK Stalin was seen out in the streets, attired in a raincoat, distributing relief material to those dislocated by the heavy rainfall.