Swiss aid officials have been arriving in Myanmar in the wake of a powerful storm that killed at least 23,000 people and made more than a million homeless.

Charities in Switzerland released additional emergency funds as the United Nations is urging the Myanmar authorities to speed up the arrival of aid workers and relief supplies.

A first Swiss expert reached the cyclone-hit country on Wednesday to assess the situation and organise assistance according to the foreign ministry's humanitarian aid unit.

Several other officials are in neighbouring Thailand waiting for entrance visas to Myanmar.

The Swiss government, charities and the Swiss Red Cross have so far contributed SFr1.3 million ($1.2 million) for the victims.

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