A huge evacuation in India’s eastern state of Odisha saved thousands of lives as Cyclone Phailin hit the region.

The fiercest storm, in the last 14 years, left a path of destruction over the weekend.

Strong winds and heavy rains pounded India's eastern coastline and villagers tried to find shelters, in the Ganjam district, about 200 kilometres from the eastern Indian city Bhubaneswar.

Over half a million people were evacuated across the region.

The Indian Red Cross has estimated that up to 235,000 mud and thatch huts, owed by the regions impoverished farming and fishing communities have been destroyed.

A mass evacuation of local residents saved thousands of lives in India.

http://news.msn.co.nz/glanceview/358104/cyclone-phailin-roars-through-india.glance