Indian authorities say the devastating cyclone that struck the country's southeastern coast Friday killed at least 42 people and damaged hundreds of homes.

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

Officials say at least 26 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 hit land.