Burmese people living in Oxford have spoken of their fears for loved ones and their country after a devastating cyclone struck at the weekend.

Cyclone Nagris struck the heart of Burma, including its largest city, Rangoon, early on Saturday and state-run radio in the country has put the death toll at 22,464 with another 41,000 missing.

Rescuers were yesterday bracing themselves for another huge rise in the number killed as aid agencies in the UK prepared to launch a major appeal on behalf of the victims.

A United Nations official declared the Irrawaddy Delta, the region of Burma hardest hit by the cyclone as a "major, major disaster" with enormous problems in getting help to the neediest.

International aid began trickling into the military-ruled country but much of the delta has remained cut off.

Dr Zarni, a visiting Fellow at Oxford University, said he had yet to hear from family members living in the affected areas.

He said: "When I saw what was happening there, I thought 'it's a complete horror.' "We've had storms before, but I can't remember a storm like this in my lifetime.

"I have family members living in the Delta areas and in Rangoon, so naturally I'm worried about them and their safety."

A Burmese monk based at the Vihaara temple, in Marston Road, said he had been desperately trying to get hold of loved ones since hearing the news. The monk said: "Myself and several others are very worried as our families live in these areas.

"Many of my own family live in the villages that have been destroyed.

"We have been trying to call, but the communication network in Burma is down at the moment and we can't get through. We desperately want to do something to help, but there is nothing we here do here except pray."

Dr Zarni said he was also worried about the after-effects of the storm, which has hit the country's rice producing region.

He said: "There is already a rice famine in the country and this will make matters even worse."

Dr Zarni, who is originally from Mandalay and is founder of the Free Burma Coalition which campaigns fo democracy and an end to the military regime, said he thought the disaster could be used to "re-engage" the Burmese government - but hopes it will not become a political bargaining chip.

He said: "The regime in charge in Burma needs to accept that it doesn't just need money, it needs people to help."

Oxford-based charity Oxfam says it has committed £250,000 to help people in Burma, though this will channelled through its partner organisations.

Sarah Ireland, East Asia regional director for Oxfam, said: "The international community needs to be quick, both to respond to this crisis and to ensure the needs of those most affected are met."