By Sun Xiaohua (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-01 08:45

A two-year field study of rainfall in the country's southern regions and the Huaihe and Yangtze river basins will start today, when the rainy season is expected to begin in the targeted areas, meteorological authorities said on Tuesday.

The research project is aimed at raising the accuracy of forecasts and protecting against weather disasters.

Carried out mainly by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) and Ministry of Science and Technology, the study will involve 14 provinces and regions.

"Currently, the country cannot forecast natural disasters accurately, especially heavy rainfall and rainstorms.

"The project will play an important role in preventing natural disasters," Ministry of Science and Technology official Peng Yiqi said at the news conference.

Floods and heavy rainfall form the bulk of natural disasters in the country, causing 70 percent of all losses, CMA figures have showed.

In the past decade, floods have caused the loss of more than 20 million tons of grain annually.

The losses hit another 200 billion yuan ($28.6 billion) in other aspects of the economy, accounting for 2 to 3 percent of gross domestic product over the period.

The authorities have invested heavily in the latest project to boost weather forecasting to address these challenges, CMA deputy director Yu Rucong said.

The study will include adopting the most advanced technology, including Doppler radar and airborne radiosonde equipment, he said.

Heavy rain in some parts of the south is expected tomorrow and Saturday, while the north will experience a steady temperature hike, meteorologists also said Wednesday.