Roads and trees bear the brunt

CUDDALORE: As the cyclonic storm Thane neared Cuddalore, tidal waves rose up to 10-15 ft uprooting coconut trees and eroded cement roads along the coast at Thazanguda and Devanampattinam. A community centre that was already in a dilapidated state collapsed due to soil erosion caused by sea waves on Thursday.Collector V Amuthavalli said: “People living in the villages along the 57.5 km coastline of Cuddalore district had been alerted about the cyclone.Inhabitants of thatched roof shelters and huts and low-lying areas had been advised to evacuate to safer ground. There was also possibility of gust downing power cables and poles.” Amuthavalli also announced holiday for schools and colleges on Friday.