Cyclone Thane crossed the coast between Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu state and the territory of Puducherry early on Friday sending severe cyclone packing winds of up to 140 kilometres (85 miles) an hour that tore into India's southeastern coast. The storm has resulted in the death of 19 people so far. Reportedly 12 people have been dead in Cuddalore and seven dead in Puducherry. The landfall happened very close to Cuddalore, southeast of Puducherry. The system is likely to move westwards and cross north Tamil Nadu coast, close to south of Puducherry, within a few hours and weaken gradually. As a result very heavy rainfall will continue over Northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Rayalseema.

The damage and loss of life in these two places was mainly caused by strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm surges that led to the collapse of old, rickety buildings. Indian meteorological officials predicted "heavy to very heavy" rainfall over places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Karnataka during the next 24 hours. Squally winds were likely to blow over north Tamil Nadu during the next three hours before decreasing in intensity gradually. Eight teams of the National Disaster Management Force (NDRF) have been sent to the coastal areas. Two of these teams will be in Andhra Pradesh, rest six in Tamil Nadu in view of the cyclone warning. Another 15,000 men of the NDRF are on alert.

Chennai helpline numbers:
Chennai Corporation - 1913, 25619237; Kancheepuram district administration - 1077, Police control room - 9445465536, 27238001; Tiruvallur district administration - 27661200; Police control room - 27661010.

Video Source: tv9telugu