Japan to help Myanmar install 2nd radar system

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will help Myanmar install the second radar system in early 2013 for upgrading weather forecast work, official media reported Wednesday. The radar system will be installed in Yangon, Mandalay and Kyaukphyu, western Rakhine state. The first Myanmar radar system had been established in Kyuaukphyu with the assistance of the World Meteorology Department and Japanese government. According to Myanmar's Meteorology Department, the country experienced lesser storm this year. However, many parts of southern Myanmar were hit by flood, while the northern part was badly affected by drought the whole year, bringing about loss to paddy cultivation and livestock breeding works. Earlier reports said that Myanmar would launch a small globe- observing satellite with the assistance of Marubeni Aerospace of Japan for Myanmar Meteorology and Hydrology Department which will use the satellite for broadcasting weather news through one of the satellite channels.