THE cyclone death toll in Myanmar soared above 22,000 yesterday and more than 41,000 others were missing as the international community prepared to rush in aid after the country’s deadliest storm on record, state radio reported.

    Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi have sent messages of sympathy to Myanmar’s leaders and foreign minister respectively, to express deep condolences. Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said yesterday China had decided to offer US$1 million worth of aid to help Myanma. The Chinese Embassy in Yangon has so far received no reports of casualties of Chinese personnel.

    Myanmar’s government has urgently appealed for foreign aid.

    U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the organization “will do whatever (necessary) to provide urgent humanitarian assistance.”

    Australia’s foreign minister stressed yesterday that the international community should focus on aid to Myanmar instead of criticizing the government’s handling of the deadly cyclone.

    Stephen Smith’s comments came a day after U.S. first lady Laura Bush rebuked Myanmar’s government for not warning citizens about the cyclone.

    Smith said Australia was “ready, willing and able” to offer humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.

    The U.S. first lady said Monday the United States was ready to pump more aid into Myanmar but said help was conditional on a U.S. disaster response team being allowed into the country.

    Other countries have announced initial aid contributions. Singapore yesterday said it would provide US$200,000 in humanitarian aid.

    The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has started mobilizing assistance and resources for Myanmar, a member country, through its humanitarian assistance coordinating center.

    Immediate neighbor Thailand offered US$100,000 dollars in emergency aid.

    Japan released 28 million yen (US$270,000) in emergency aid. South Korea said it would provide aid materials worth US$100,000.

    On Monday, the European Union said it was providing US$3 million in urgent humanitarian aid for cyclone victims.(SD-Xinhua)