India: Cyclone Thane crosses east coast; 33 killed in TN, Puducherry

Chennai, Dec 31 (PTI) A severe cyclone dumped heavy rain and sent wind gusts up to 140 kmph after it hit the Tamil Nadu coast yesterday killing at least 33 persons and leaving behind a trail of destruction that threw life out of gear in the Cuddalore district of the state and the adjacent Union Territory of Puducherry (earlier called Pondicherry). The cyclonic storm 'Thane' however left the coast of the the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh unscathed after keeping everyone in the state on toes for the last two days. The two southern states were on high alert. Cuddalore, about 170 km south of Chennai on the east coast, bore the brunt of the cyclonic fury, accounting for 21 deaths, Puducherry (seven), Villupuram and Tiruvallur (two each) and Chennai (one)in rain-related incidents mainly wall collapse and electrocution, officials said. The storm crossed the coast between Cuddalore and Puducherry bringing in its wake torrential rains accompanied by gales that uprooted hundreds of trees and knocked electric poles, snapping power supply in several areas. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said the cyclone claimed 26 lives in four districts in the state and released Rupees 1.5 billion (about USD 30 million) for immediate relief works. The tiny Puducherry was cut off from the neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu with the uprooted trees blocking road traffic. The cyclone also disrupted rail and air operations with services cancelled or rescheduled. Flights to international destinations including the middle-east and Malaysia from Chennai were cancelled following the inclement weather. The Southern Railway zone of Indian Railways partially cancelled and rescheduled most of the trains between Chennai and southern districts of Tamil Nadu. In Chennai, a cargo ship ran aground off Marina Beach with the sea conditions remaining rough. Sheet of water could be seen on the service road along the beach which was lashed by tidal waves. PTI