Thousands evacuated as fatal cyclone hits India

Authorities in southern India evacuated thousands of people from low-lying areas on Monday after weather experts issued a cyclone warning.

Schools and offices were closed and state authorities were on alert in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states as Cyclone Vardah neared India's southeastern coast.

Police and disaster management teams evacuated more than 15 000 people from low-lying areas, moving them to safer places as heavy rains and strong winds lashed the region. In many places, trees and electrical poles were uprooted by the rain and wind.

The meteorological office said the cyclone was expected to make landfall near the city of Chennai later on Monday.