State television in Burma has reported the official death toll from Cyclone Nargis has risen to almost 78,000, with nearly 56,000 still missing.
Previously, Burma was giving a toll of 43,000 dead and 28,000 missing, while both the Red Cross and United Nations had estimated a death toll above 100,000.
The Burmese authorities have blamed the sudden increase in the death toll on difficulties they have had confirming what has happened to people in the worst affected areas.
Earlier, EU aid chief Louis Michel said he has not yet got permission to visit the disaster zone before his scheduled departure from the region.
Mr Michel said there had not been any immediate progress on access for aid groups.
He said he had requested permission to go into the Irrawaddy Delta but was not allowed to enter yesterday.
Aid agencies say up to 2.5m people need aid.
'I am still hoping to go today,' Mr Michel said hours before he was due to wrap up a two-day trip.
The EU Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, who is on a mission to persuade the military government to accept more foreign assistance, said he had been told his requests for more visas would be considered.
Cholera has been confirmed among survivors of Cyclone Nargis which struck nearly two weeks ago.
However, the World Health Organization says the number is in line with case levels in previous years in the country.
