New names introduced for tropical cyclones in 2025
Three new names, Bori, Saobien and Tianma, have been introduced to the list of tropical cyclone names in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in 2025 to replace the old names of Doksuri, Saola and Haikui respectively.
The new names were endorsed at the 57thsession of the Typhoon Committee, which is under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the World Meteorological Organization.
The meanings of the three new names and the contributing countries are as follows:
Name |
Meaning |
Contributing country |
Bori |
Barley |
Republic of Korea |
Saobien |
An echinoderm invertebrate, typically star-shaped |
Vietnam |
Tianma |
A flying horse in Chinese legend |
China |
According to convention, the Typhoon Committee will consider retiring the name of a tropical cyclone which has caused serious casualties and economic losses. Super Typhoon Doksuri hit the Philippines in late July 2023, causing at least 25 deaths. Over 2.45 million people were affected and the economic loss exceeded PHP5.4 billion. During its passage in China, around 2.95 million people were affected and the economic loss exceeded RMB14.7 billion. Super Typhoon Saola brought torrential rain and squalls to the northern part of the Philippines in late August 2023, causing at least two deaths. More than 1.16 million people were affected and the economic loss exceeded PHP2.4 billion. Severe Typhoon Haikui hit China in early September 2023, affecting more than 1.59 million people and resulting in economic loss exceeding RMB5 billion.
The updated list of tropical cyclone names and their corresponding meanings are available on the Hong Kong Observatory webpagefor Tropical Cyclone Names in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea with effect from 2025.
Hong Kong Customs detect a drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport
Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (April 4) and seized about 4.4 kilograms of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $2.9 million.
A 20-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Penang, Malaysia, today. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found about 4.4kg of suspected heroin inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will bebrought up at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts on April 6.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detect a drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detect a drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
