Hanoi (VNA) - An X-band radar system from Japan's Weathernews Inc. was handed over to the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration on May 9 within the framework of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Voluntary Cooperation Programme.
Illustrative image (Photo: Vietnam+) The Eagle X-band radar, along with the 13 existing radar systems across the country, will be an important tool to improve the monitoring and early warning of natural disasters, especially storms, heavy rainfall, floods, and flash floods, with greater accuracy.
Hoang Duc Cuong, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration, expressed his gratitude for Japan's support, emphasizing the enhanced capabilities in meteorological observation, forecasting, and early warning of natural disasters that this radar installation will bring.
Both parties are keen to collaborate on developing specific plans for the operation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of the radar system following the handover ceremony. The Vietnamese administration aims to secure the necessary resources and services to ensure the radar's continued functionality.
Weathernews Inc. has been actively engaged with Vietnam's meteorology and hydrology sector since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2015. The company recognizes the mounting risks posed by climate change and considers the establishment of an early warning system using radar infrastructure and weather analysis technology as crucial in reducing the impact of natural disasters on the lives and economic activities of the Vietnamese people.
Kusabiraki Chihiro, CEO of Weathernews Inc., said his company's mission is to develop content based on radar data in Vietnam, with the aim of improving forecasting accuracy. The company seeks to strengthen cooperation and exchange ideas with the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration to achieve this goal.
Kusabiraki Chihito, CEO of Weathernews Inc., speaks at the handover ceremony (Photo: KTTV) Following the handover ceremony, both parties engaged in discussions and research on the radar system's operation, utilization, and effective use in the Vietnamese context. Leveraging their expertise in utilising multiple data sources and advanced forecasting technology, Weathernews Inc. proposed a collaboration to develop accurate severe weather forecasts up to three hours in advance.
At the handover ceremony of the Eagle X-band radar (Photo: Vietnam+) This collaboration aims to actively support disaster prevention activities, minimise risks, and enhance productivity across various socioeconomic sectors.
The radar system is planned to be installed at the Hoai Duc Agricultural Meteorological Station in Hanoi, providing early warning capabilities for heavy rainfall in the capital and surrounding areas with high population density, which are frequently affected by flooding caused by intense rain.
Vietnam’s meteorology and hydrology sector has been acknowledged by the United Nations Secretary-General for its early warning and forecasting system, which not only benefits Vietnam but also effectively supports neighboring countries through two Southeast Asia regional centers for hazardous weather and flood warning support.
These achievements have been made possible through the support of important international partners, particularly the resources provided by the WMO and its member organisations./.
