New tropical cyclone names in 2007

New names for tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific and south China sea this year have been announced with "Pakhar", "Doksuri" and "Haikui" respectively replacing "Matsa", "Nabi" and "Longwang".

"Pakhar", a fresh water fish living in lower Mekong River, was proposed by Lao People's Democratic Republic. "Doksuri", a bird of prey, was proposed by the Republic of Korea. "Haikui", sea anemones being marine animals resembling flowers, was proposed by China. The new names were endorsed by the Typhoon Committee (under the joint auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific and the World Meteorological Organisation) at its 39th session in 2006.

In August, 2005, Typhoon Matsa swept through the coastal areas of eastern China, resulting in at least eight deaths and an estimated economic loss of more than RMB6 billion. In September, 2005, Typhoon Nabi claimed 21 lives and destroyed thousands of houses as it passed through Kyushu. In October, 2005, Typhoon Longwang hit Taiwan and made landfall near Xiamen. At least 61 people were killed and the economic loss exceeded RMB1.2 billion. According to the convention of the Typhoon Committee, the country or region having suffered serious damage from a typhoon can propose to have its name removed from the tropical cyclone name list.

The public, the aviation and marine communities, mass media and associated bodies should note the change of the tropical cyclone names and take appropriate actions as necessary, such as revision of internal file records and computer programmes. The latest tropical cyclone name list together with the meanings of the names has been uploaded onto the Observatory's website (http://www.weather.gov.hk/en/informtc/sound/tcname2007e.htm) for reference.