Waves pound the shore as Cyclone Thane makes landfall on the Indian coast of Tamil Nadu.
With lashing rain and gusts of wind up to 125 kilometres per hour, the cyclone has disrupted power supplies and communication lines in the south-eastern state.
Coastal villagers have been evacuated to relief centres set up in schools.
Others say they have been virtually confined to their homes since the cyclone was first announced 15 days ago.
Although the local government has provided affected residents with food and supplies, they say they have received no other help or information.
(SOUNDBITE) (Tamil) ANOTHER LOCAL, SELVA KUMAR, SAYING:
"For the last three days we have been unable to commute. Our children are also sitting here in this hut. Last night the government gave us some rice to eat, after that nobody has come to inquire about our state."
India's cyclone season generally lasts from April to December, with severe storms causing crop and property damage and the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
