Burma took the unprecedented step of appealing for international aid on Tuesday, seeking assistance to provide medicine, food, clothing, hygiene kits and shelter for more than 210, 000 people affected by torrential flooding across the country.

"We are cooperating and inviting international assistance. We have started contacting possible donor organizations and countries," said Ye Htut.

The town of Mrauk-U in Arakan State has suffered the greatest impact from monsoonal flooding.

It's not easy being a journalist. So says Ko Myo Zaw Lin, who was today sent out to the town of Pegu to cover the ongoing floods.

Cyclone Komen is expected to cross Chittagong, Bangladesh, into northwestern Burma on Thursday evening, bringing with it wind speeds of up to 80 miles per hour and torrential rain.