Myanmar to hold minute of silence for more than 2,000 quake dead

Myanmar will hold a minute of silence on Tuesday in tribute to victims of a catastrophic earthquake that has killed more than 2,000 people, buckling roads and flattening buildings as far away as Bangkok.

Four days after the shallow 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck, many people in Myanmar are still sleeping outdoors, either unable to return to ruined homes or afraid of further aftershocks.

The country will come to a standstill at 12:51:02 (0621 GMT) the precise time the quake struck on Friday to remember those lost.

The ruling junta has asked the population to pause at that time, and said media should halt broadcasting and display mourning symbols, while prayers will be offered at temples and pagodas.

The gesture is part of a week of national mourning declared by the junta, with flags to fly at half-mast on official buildings until April 6 "in sympathy for the loss of life and damages".

The junta said Monday that 2,056 have now been confirmed dead, with more than 3,900 people injured and 270 still missing. At least 19 people died in neighbouring Thailand.

But the toll is expected to rise significantly as rescuers reach towns and villages where communications have been cut off by the quake.