At least 351 people were killed in cyclone Nargis that lashed Burma on Friday and Saturday, according to government figures.

The government-controlled media announced that Hai Gyi Island was the worst affected accounting for 109 deaths. The Nagris has destroyed at least 20,000 homes and left more than 90,000 people homeless.

However, the figures could not be independently verified.

With the Burmese junta's tradition of secrecy and control over the media, observers said the death toll could be higher and the government's announcement could be an under-estimate.