DHAKA: More nations have joined the search in the southern Indian Ocean for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, amid concern that rain will hamper search efforts.

Ten planes were set to scour the area for possible debris picked up earlier by radar echoes and satellite imagery, reports BBC.

Australia`s acting leader has cautioned that the search is a "challenge" and officials are "clutching" at clues.

Flight MH370 disappeared on 8 March while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 people on board.

Two Chinese military planes have flown out to the search area, around 2,500 km (1,550 miles) south-west of Australian city Perth, while two Japanese P-3 Orion aircraft will set off later on Monday.

They will join six other planes, including US and Australian military planes, to search a 68,500 sq km (26,000 sq miles) area in the ocean.

An Australian navy ship is already in the area, while several Chinese ships are also on their way.
bbc map

However, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which is co-ordinating search efforts in the south, said on Monday: "The weather forecast in the search area is expected to deteriorate, with rain likely."

Warren Truss, Australia`s acting prime minister while Tony Abbott is abroad, said that a tropical cyclone north of the search area could "stir up less favourable weather" for the search.

BDST: 1030 HRS, MAR 24, 2014