BHUBANESWAR, India (AP) -- A powerful cyclone, the second in two weeks, slammed into India's eastern coast today as authorities packed villagers into trucks in an effort to evacuate 20,000 people.

The cyclone bearing winds up to 155 mph hit along 300 miles of coastline in the states of Orissa and West Bengal at midday today.  Even when the full-blown storm was still several miles offshore, powerful winds flattened simple mud huts, uprooted trees and cut off communications to the worst-hit areas.

"Its a rare supercyclone," said L.K. Chand of the meteorological office in Bhubaneswar. Chand confirmed the cyclone had reached land. Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ordered thousands of soldiers stationed in the area to be ready to help with emergencies.