Bollywood actor Aamir Khan was among the hundreds of people rescued on boats in Chennai, a day after cyclone Michaung caused widespread flooding in the southern Indian city.

At least 17 people, including a four-year-old boy, died in and around the city due to the flooding triggered by incessant downpours brought about by the severe cyclonic storm, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh state on Tuesday.

Rescue operations were in full swing as rescuers used boats, inflatable rafts, and ropes to evacuate people stranded in houses without electricity or basic supplies for two days. The Indian Air Force’s Chetak helicopters were also deployed to drop food rations to people stuck on the terrace of their houses.

Chennai-based actor Vishnu Vishal raised an alarm on social media, seeking help due to rising water levels that overwhelmed his house.

Later, he expressed gratitude to rescue officials for evacuating him along with badminton player Jwala Gutta and Aamir Khan.

Vishnu stated, “Rescue operations have started in Karapakkam. Great work by the Tamil Nadu government in such testing times. Thanks to all the administrative people who are working relentlessly.”

Khan, who has been reportedly living in Chennai since October to be close to his ailing mother, was seen on an inflatable boat surrounded by rescue personnel along with his family.

The water receded from the main areas of the industrial city on Wednesday, but several residents remained trapped in their homes in the waterlogged suburbs of Chennai.

Hundreds of people sent out SOS pleas on social media, requesting urgent evacuations.

Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin mentioned that over 9,600 people were moved to 236 relief camps in eight locations on Monday as a precautionary measure.

More than 700 personnel from the National and State Disaster Response Force were deployed for the rescue operation.

Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release Rs50.6 billion (£481 million) for the state to undertake relief measures in the cyclone-battered region.

The state government has extended holidays for schools and colleges in the Chennai district until Thursday as recovery efforts continue.