Myanmar state radio reports cyclone death toll has soared past 22,000

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar state radio says the death toll from last weekend's cyclone has soared above 22,000.

A broadcast on the government-run station says 22,464 people are now confirmed dead in cyclone Nargis.

It says 41,000 people are still missing.

The hurricane tore through the country's heartland and biggest city of Yangon early Saturday.

Relief efforts for the stricken area, mostly in the low-lying Irrawaddy River delta, have been difficult, in large part because of the destruction of roads and communications.

The first assistance from abroad arrived today from neighbouring Thailand. Canada has said it is setting aside up to $2 million in humanitarian assistance for storm victims.

© The Canadian Press, 2008