URGENT

Myanmar cyclone death toll soars past 22,000: state radio

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) -- Myanmar state radio says the cyclone death toll has risen above 22,000.

A news broadcast on government-run radio said Tuesday that 22,464 people have now been confirmed dead and thousands more are missing.

Cyclone Nargis tore through the country's heartland and largest city, Yangon, early Saturday.

Relief efforts have been difficult, in large part because the storm destroyed roads and communications outlets.

The first assistance from overseas arrived Tuesday from neighboring Thailand.