International relief is likely be urgently needed after the Saturday storm. But some dissident groups and diplomats expressed concern that the aging, hard-line generals who run Myanmar would be reluctant to ask for outside help because they are known to be secretive and xenophobic.

"We have to be welcomed by the host government," said a Western diplomat, who refused to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the issue. "The international community is willing to provide humanitarian assistance. There has been tremendous destruction. At the end of the day, the government needs to let in the assistance."