Ship Pratibha Cauvery was grounded near Besant nagar beach after cyclone Nilam hit Chennai. Express photo by Raja Chidambaram

Sailors try to hold on to their up-turned life boat, left, as sailors throw lines to them, after the life boat capsized when Indian ship Pratibha Cauvery, right, ran aground.(AP)

People play on the Marina beach flooded with sea water on the Bay of Bengal coast in Chennai.(AP)

Sand blown away by gusty winds caused by Nilam cyclone in Chennai.Express photo by A.Raja Chidambaram

A rescue boat capsizes near the grounded ship Pratibha Cauvery near Besant nagar in Chennai. Express photo by A.Raja Chidambaram

Due to heavy wind, trees fell on many roads obstructing the traffic flow in Chennai. Express photo by R. Satish Babu

A huge tree fell on a car near Rajarathnam stadium in Chennai. Express photo by D. Sampathkumar

Picture of a tree that fell in Royapettah high road and public trying to clear the tree from the roads. Express photo by P.Ravikumar

A snail trying to cross the path during heavy rain in Chennai, a scene near Kotturpuram bridge. Express photo by P. Ravikumar