The worst quake-hit areas in southwest China will see rainfall cease and can expect a cloudy sky in the next two days starting from Wednesday night, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC) forecast.

But there could be more rain in Wenchuan, Dujiangyan and Beichuan on Saturday and Monday, which would hamper the rescue efforts.

The southern part of Sichuan Province will get more rain, or even heavy rain and thunderstorms in some areas, in the next three days, the agency said.

It also warned that previous rainfall, coupled with the devastating quake, would raise the danger of further landslides, collapses, or mud-rock flows.

Landslides along with other damages caused by the quake had cut roads leading to the worst-hit areas, blocking rescue efforts as well.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain also forced the military forces to call off a planned parachute troops and supplies into Wenchuan on Tuesday.

The 7.8-magnitude quake that rocked southwest China had already claimed more than 14,000 lives and the death toll is still expected to rise.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2008)