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

Among the worst-hit cities were Chennai and Bengaluru, the country’s industrial and information technology hubs. Power outages and flight cancellations caused disruptions, and thousands of residents prepared for more rain showers over the next 48 hours.

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

Residents of Chennai’s high-security Poes Garden area, home to top politicians, industrialists and celebrities, woke up to severe flooding after overnight rain. Television images showed people struggling through traffic jams in knee-deep water.

The India Meteorological Department said wind speeds of 60 km per hour (37 mph) are expected in the southern region until Thursday.

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

Disasters caused by landslides and floods are common in South Asia. Scientists and weather forecasters have blamed climate change for heavier rainfall in recent years.