CHENNAI, India (AP) — Schools, colleges and government offices were closed Wednesday in parts of southern India as heavy monsoon rains triggered severe flooding.

The worst-hit cities included Chennai and Bengaluru, the country's industrial and information technology hubs. Power outages and flight cancellations caused disruption, and thousands of residents braced for more rain in the next 48 hours.

The monsoon season from June to September has declined in the northern parts of the country. However, the northeast monsoon has caused heavy rains in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the southern state of Karnataka. At least 33 people died in rain and floods last month.

Residents of Chennai's Poes Garden high-security area, home to top politicians, industrialists and celebrities, were hit by severe flooding following overnight rains. Television images showed people fighting their way through traffic jams in knee-deep floods.

The India Meteorological Department said winds of 60 km/h (37 mph) were expected across the southern region by Thursday.

The Tamil Nadu state government said more than 200 boats and disaster response teams were deployed and schools, colleges and government offices were closed.

Landslide and flood disasters are common in South Asia. Scientists and weather forecasters blame climate change for the heavier rainfall in recent years.