Indian authorities say a devastating cyclone has hit the country's southeastern coast, killing at least 33 people.

Cyclone Thane lashed the coast between Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu state and the territory of Pondicherry on Friday with winds up to 135 kilometers per hour, before gradually decreasing.

Officials say at least 20 of the deaths were in the Cuddalore district. They say most of the deaths were caused by wall collapses and electrocution.

Authorities said Saturday that engineers are working to restore telephone and power lines that were cut off in some regions during the cyclone.

Coastal villages were evacuated to shelters before Thane landed.