Burma's government says at least 22,000 people are confirmed dead, in the wake of Cyclone Nargis, and another 41,000 are missing. The military government has begun allowing foreign assistance and granting unprecedented access to some international aid agency representatives.

The first plane load of foreign aid has arrived in Rangoon from Thailand. More is to follow.

Foreign Minister Noppadol Pattama says he was told 30,000 people are missing after the cyclone passed. Officials estimate hundreds of thousands of people have been made homeless.

 

In the past, Burma's military government has been reluctant to accept foreign aid. However, analysts say the scope of this disaster forced the generals this time to welcome assistance.

Thailand was among the first to send help, with at least nine tons of aid arriving in Burma, Tuesday. Diplomats of some western nations say they are still waiting to hear whether the Burmese government will allow assessment teams to reach the hardest-hit areas.