According to Myanmar's meteorologist department, Cyclone Nargis has caused a significant storm surge at Myanmar's coastline and has caused severe damage to some of the rice producing areas in the country.

The U.N. has offered its assistance to Myanmar authorities following the deadly cyclone, which made landfall Friday in the Irrawaddy region, about 250 kilometers southwest of the capital, Yangon, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Thousands have reportedly been killed.

Agriculture contributes 44% of Myanmar's gross domestic product and employs 61.4% of the labor force.