The death toll from ethnic violence in southern Kyrgyzstan has risen to 187, and 1918 others were injured, the country's Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

Among the dead, 140 deaths were reported in the Osh region and 47 deaths in Jalalabad in clashes between ethnic Uzbeks and Kyrgyzs since last week, according to the ministry.

The actual death toll is believed to be higher as some deaths were not reported.

Gunshots are still being heard in Osh and Jalalabad. The interim government has declared a state of emergency in Osh and three surrending regions.

The current clashes followed violence in May, when supporters of former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev clashed with backers of the interim government in Osh and Jalalabad.