Indian weather forecasters say a cyclone has hit the country's southeastern coast, killing at least six people.

Cyclone Thane made landfall near the former French colonial town of Pondicherry early Friday with winds up to 135 kilometers per hour, before gradually decreasing.

Heavy rain and high winds disrupted power supplies, communication networks, and uprooted trees.

Authorities say the deaths in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu state were caused mostly by wall collapses and electrocution.

Authorities say coastal villages were evacuated to shelters before Thane landed. Fishermen were also warned from venturing out into the rough seas.

Heavy rain in southern India was expected to continue for 12 hours.