One year on, Myanmar still suffers cyclone hardship

They said a fifth of those whose homes were destroyed by Cyclone Nargis on May 2-3 last year were still living under tarpaulin, while at least 250,000 people would require food handouts until the end of 2009 at the earliest.

"Considerable needs remain," said the United Nations in a statement, as it sought 691 million dollars to fund another three years of assistance.

"Continued support and engagement by the international community must be ensured for years to come," said UN Resident Coordinator Bishow Parajuli.

Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar on the afternoon of May 2 with wind speeds reaching 240 kilometres (150 miles) an hour and storm surges up to four metres high.

The storm left 138,000 people dead or missing and some 2.4 million people in dire need, but emergency aid was stymied by the ruling junta's early refusal to grant access to humanitarian workers and supplies.