MORE THAN 100 rescuers dug carefully for survivors under a collapsed 11-floor building in Indian city Chennai yesterday, buoyed by finding six people alive two days after the tragedy.

The collapse on Saturday in the capital of Tamil Nadu state killed at least 19 people and left an enormous pile of broken slabs, twisted iron girders and concrete dust where the block of flats was under construction.

Nearly 90 contract workers, mostly from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh state, were believed to have been in the basement collecting wages.

Rescuers have pulled at least 41 people from the wreckage, even as seasonal monsoon rains impeded the search. 

Police believe that 30 other people are probably still trapped.

Police have arrested six construction company officials for criminal negligence and violation of building codes.

The governments of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have offered 700,000 rupees (£6,800) to the families of each person killed.