A state of emergency was declared in Meikhtila after three days of violence between Buddhists and Muslims in Myanmar left at least 20 people dead.

State television aired a statement announcing the decision on behalf of President Thein Sein, where he said the new measure would enable the military to return order to the town.

GlobalPost analysis: Myanmar's unexpected riots

"At least 20 people have been killed. We estimate that it could be higher but it is also difficult for us to gather all the figures," a police officer who did not want to be named told Agence France-Presse.

"The situation is getting worse," a local resident also told AFP. "People are destroying buildings. Many people have been killed. We are scared and trying to stay safe at home."

More on GlobalPost: Myanmar: Anti-Muslim riots inflame city near Mandalay

Journalists have reported seeing incinerated remains of victims on roadsides, and being stopped at knifepoint and being asked to hand over camera memory cards.

Trouble initially broke out on Wednesday after an argument started between a Muslim gold shop owner and his Buddhist customers. One of the first people killed was a Buddhist monk. His death inflamed an already tense situation, leading to a Buddhist mob rampaging through a Muslim neighborhood.