Some 144 people have died and 732 have so far been injured in Myanmar, following the earthquake that struck the centre of the country earlier.

The BBC Burmese team say these figures come from Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing, who says the figures are expected to rise.

Breaking down the new numbers, the military leader says 96 have people have died in Nai Pyi Taw, 18 in Saigaing and 30 in Mandalay.

As for the injured, 132 of these were in Nay Pyi Taw and 300 were in Sagaing, with numbers still being assessed in other areas - the military figure says.

Thousands of people in Myanmar may need urgent shelter, food and medical help, according to the International Rescue Committee's Myanmar director, Mohamed Riyas.

He says it could be weeks before the full extent of the earthquake damage is known, as communication lines are down and transport is disrupted.

Riyas adds that rescue operations are under way.

(Source: BBC)