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.
Scam alert related to banks
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press releases issued by the banks listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which have been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on theHKMA website.
Bank |
Type of scam |
The Bank of East Asia, Limited |
Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited |
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
Chong Hing Bank Limited |
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited |
Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited |
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited |
Fraudulent website |
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the scams concerned, should contact the relevant bank with the information provided in the corresponding press release, and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Source: AI-found images
