Manila - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Wednesday it was studying the possibility of sending experts to assess rehabilitation and reconstruction needs in Myanmar after a deadly cyclone left nearly 134,000 people dead or missing.

The Manila-based ADB said the proposed initiative in Myanmar, which is not a member of the bank, would be conducted "under the auspices of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and in cooperation with the World Bank."

"The ADB is exploring the possibility of providing experts to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction needs in Myanmar," the bank said in a statement.

"Based on the findings of the assessment, other additional assistance measures may be considered."

Cyclone Nargis swept over Myanmar's central coastal region on May 2-3, leaving an estimated 133,650 people dead or missing. An estimated 2.4 million people are also in desperate need of food, water, shelter and medicine.

Myanmar's reclusive regime has come under sharp criticism for hampering an international relief programme for its own people. But the junta recently agreed to accept foreign aid through its ASEAN neighbours. (dpa)