Kerala floods: Man films selfie video asking for help while up to his neck in water

"No way to escape,' he says. 'It looks like water is rising to the second floor. Please pray.'

A homeowner left stranded by the floods in India filmed himself with water reaching up to his neck as he pleaded for rescue.

The unidentified man made the Facebook Live video message as he waded through his house in Chengannur in the state of Kerala, according to reports in local media.

"No way to escape from this place," he said. "This is condition inside the house. It looks like water is rising to the second floor. I hope you can see this."

At least 79 people have been killed as a result of flooding, landslides and bridge collapses in Kerala in the last week, according to officials.

The video shows water lapping against cabinets displaying plates and dishes. Other household objects including bowls, pillows and food wrappers can be seen floating on the surface.

He says that he has contacted the authorities, including local politicians in the state government, without success.

"I haven't had any help until now," he adds. "Please pray for me."

Social media users urged him to go upstairs and wait for rescue from the top of the building.

Another video posted on Twitter showed a family perched on the top floor of their home as flood water surged through the street outside.

"One of my relations in Kerala Chengannur need immediate help (rescue)," he tweeted. "Heavy water flood out side the home and water levels are increasing."

Tens of thousands of people in the popular tourist destination have been stranded by the worst floods in nearly a century.

The Indian Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard are all involved in the rescue effort.

On Thursday the Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi announced that residents were being airlifted to safety in the areas of Chalakudy and Bhoothathankettu.

"Please stand in open areas on top of buildings and houses to avoid possible hindrances by trees," he tweeted.

"Floating devices, lifeboats and life jackets will be airdropped to stranded groups of 50 or more people."

The international airport at Kochi, a major port city, suspended flight operations until Saturday after rains flooded the runway.

Rain and floods have destroyed and damaged hundreds of houses in the past week and caused significant losses to crops in a state known for its spices and coffee.

India’s Metrological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in the state until Saturday, and has issued a “red alert” for 12 out of its 14 districts.

The state last saw such devastating flooding in 1924.