The UN's humanitarian chief has urged Burma to reconsider its attitude towards allowing aid teams into the country to help cyclone victims.
Announcing a $187m (Ј96m) flash appeal, John Holmes said it was time to act fast or risk more lives being lost.
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Burma's envoy to the UN thanked the international community for their solidarity and generosity, saying it would accept aid from any quarter.
Burma says 22,980 people died, but the UN fears the toll could reach 100,000.
The country's ruling generals have faced mounting criticism over their handling of the crisis, their reluctance to allow international aid teams into the country and their insistence on distributing aid themselves.
The World Food Programme is in talks with the government after tonnes of aid it flew into Burma was impounded by the military authorities, who wanted to control its distribution.
The UN agency had threatened to suspend relief flights, but later said they would resume on Saturday, while negotiations continue.
The Burmese UN envoy, Ambassador Kyaw Tint Swe, said the first US relief flight was expected to arrive on Monday.
Other aid has been pouring in from Burma's allies, such as China and Thailand, and Burma-based aid agency workers have been doing what they can.
But aid experts say Burma does not have the capacity to respond to the emergency effectively.
Polls to open
Announcing the UN appeal, Mr Holmes said it was vital that any obstacles that had hindered aid deliveries until now be resolved soon.
"If we do not act now and do not act fast, more lives will be lost," he said.
As negotiations and relief efforts continue, Burma is also preparing for a national referendum on a new constitution to be held on Saturday.
The government says the referendum will pave the way for democratic elections in 2010, while the opposition says it is intended to tighten the generals' rule.
The BBC's Andrew Harding says it is a gamble and now there is a chance that public anger could translate into big "No" vote, particularly given the military handling of the storm's aftermath.
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(BBC)
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