As the military junta which currently rules Myanmar raised the Cyclone Nargis death toll to 28,458 on Sunday, the European Union urged the rulers of the Southeast-Asian country to allow more relief workers to cross its borders in order to help the victims of the disaster, The International Heralda Tribune reported.

After the deadly cyclone hit on May 3, Myanmar’s military leaders initially allowed the international aid to cross its borders but not the staff to deliver it to the victims.

EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel said there were some signs of improvement regarding the access of the relief agencies, but a massive international operation is still vital to Irrawaddy Delta, the region hit the worst by the Nargis.

"Their work is independent and impartial," he said. "That is why I urge the government to let more relief workers in and to let them go to the stricken zone to work alongside the local authorities in assisting the victims."

According to Michael, Myanmar would have very much to gain if it grants access to the aid workers of the relief agencies, especially because the high level of their experience which they gained in similar crisis zones around the world.

Michael added that the European Commission is prepared to grant more aid, but the funds won't be much use without “professional delivery on the ground.”

According to a member of the humanitarian field staff of the European Union executive Commission, the death toll is actually much higher than the military junta estimated. After visiting Laputta, a city located in the Irrawaddy Delta, he estimated that 40,000 people were killed in that region alone.

"While the authorities and relief agencies have been able to distribute some food and other basic essentials, huge needs remain. Disease is one of the biggest concerns as so many streams are contaminated by bodies both human and animals," the EU said.