The Chinese National Meteorological Center (NMC) predicted on Sunday that rains or even thunderstorms might sweep several quake-hit localities next week and would add to difficulties of disaster relief work.

The NMC said Sichuan, Chongqing, and southern Gansu and Shaanxi provinces would see mild rain or thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday, adding torrential rains in some regions were likely to trigger landslides and mud-rock flows.

It also warned that the quake-stricken areas would see warm weather next week, with temperature hitting 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 Fahrenheit).

Experts called for strengthened efforts in carrying out disinfection measures to prevent disease outbreaks.

The death toll from the May 12 earthquake, China's worst in more than 30 years, rose to 32,477 nationwide as of 2:00 PM Sunday, with 220,109 injured, according to the emergency response office of the State Council, or the Cabinet.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2008)