Twenty-one people were killed and another 14 are still missing after Cyclone Mala struck Myanmar's west coast last weekend, state media said yesterday.

The death toll increased from three after 18 people drowned in flash floods from heavy rain that hit villages as the storm passed through Irrawaddy region and Rakhine state, media said.

The New Light of Myanmar newspaper quoted local government officials as saying eight women were among the 14 missing.

"There have been strong winds and torrential rains along coastal regions and the southern part of Rakhine state, causing rivers to flood," the newspaper said.

"The sudden flow of water left 18 people drowned and 14 missing."