New Data Expand Search For Malaysian Jet Debris; More Debris Reported

PERTH, Australia (AP) — Rain is expected to hamper the search today for the missing Malaysia Airlines jet, as a growing number of planes focus on an expanded area of the southern Indian Ocean where French radar detected potential debris.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority's rescue coordination center says the search area is being expanded from 22,800-26,400 square miles on Monday, including a new separate area covered by data provided by France on Sunday.

Meanwhile, a Chinese plane helping search for the missing airliner reports spotting two white, square-shaped objects today in an area where satellite data suggests the presence of debris. And the U.S. Pacific command says it is sending a black box locator, which is a ship-towed device, in case a debris field is located.

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared on March 8 with 239 people aboard.