Yangon, March 24 (IANS): The death toll in a communal riot in Meikthila in northern Myanmar has risen to 32, state-run media reported.

According to Xinhua, the state radio and TV said in a broadcast that many bodies were found while clearing the debris.

The riot left over 9,600 people homeless out of a populations of 500,000 in Meikhtila.

However, the situation was calm after security was tightened since Friday.

Relief and rehabilitation work are underway in riot-hit areas and the victims have been accommodated at six relief camps.

The riot was sparked by a brawl between buyers and sellers over a bit of gold clip at a gold shop Wednesday.

According to official sources, 152 houses, one education office and 13 religious buildings were burnt while two motor vehicles and three motorcycles were destroyed.

On Friday, President U Thein Sein declared a state of emergency in four townships -- Meikhtila, Wandwin, Mahlaing and Thazi.