At least 351 people have been killed by Cyclone Nargis, which slammed into Myanmar yesterday, damaging thousands of buildings and tens of thousands homeless.

Myanmar officials say parts of the Irrawaddy region were hit particularly badly, with three out of four buildings reportedly blown down in one district. Winds of about 190km/h battered the Irrawaddy, Rangoon, Bago, Karen and Mon regions.

The BBC reports that Myanmar has declared Irrawaddy and four other regions, including the main city Rangoon, to be disaster areas. Rangoon has been without power and water, its streets full of debris.

The latest death toll of 351 includes at least 109 people who lived on Haing-gyi island, off the south-west coast. Officials say about 20,000 homes have been destroyed and 90,000 people made homeless on the island alone.

The death toll is expected to rise further, as the situation is remote areas becomes clear. Military and police personnel have been carrying out rescue operations.

Cyclone Nargis has since moved towards Thailand where storm warnings have been issued, but it appears to be lessening in force.

© NewsRoom 2008