Disaster check with signals from above

Yangon, Myanmar: Myanmar astrologers are hoping that by observing the stars and planets, they will be able to forecast storms and earthquakes.

A group of Yangon based astrologers are comparing their 2006 storm predictions with data from the meteorology department.

If they are proven right, the astrologers plan to include storm forecasts in the annual astrological calendars for 2007 and 2008, Than Htay, vice president of the Myanmar Astrology Research Bureau, was quoted as saying by Myanmar Times.

"It is important work for us because it will help keep people away from natural disasters and will prove the accuracy of astrological predictions," Than Htay said.

The research bureau, the only astrological organization recognized by the government, is studying the position of stars, moon and planets in areas hit by storms and earthquakes in the past, and will apply the same patterns to predict the weather.

If the astrologers' 2007 quake predictions are proven to be correct, earthquake predictions will be included in the 2008 and 2009 calendars, Than Htay added.

He also said weather forecast using modern science is accurate to predict when a quake will occur, but only astrology can predict the location.

Tun Lwin, associate director general of the meteorology department, said his staff will not get involved because they were using science. But the astrologers research in their own traditional ways.

People in Myanmar have always been superstitious and are known to seek advice from fortune-tellers and astrologers.