New names for tropical cyclones in 2026
The Hong Kong Observatory said today (June 8) that nine new names, Koki, Gaeguri, Dim-sum, Hebi, Tomo, Tirou, Narae, Burapha and Hoaban, have been introduced to the list of tropical cyclone names in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in 2026 to replace the old names of Kong-rey, Toraji, Man-yi, Usagi, Yagi, Ewiniar, Jebi, Krathon and Trami respectively.
The Hong Kong Observatory, Photo source: reference image
The new names were endorsed at the 58th session 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 nine new names and the contributing countries/regions are as follows:
Name
Meaning
Contributing country/region
1.Koki
The name of a large tree with a hard flesh that is suitable for daily use in Cambodia
Cambodia
2.Gaeguri
A frog
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
3.Dim-sum
A famous food in Hong Kong cuisine
Hong Kong, China
4.Hebi
Serpens; snake
Japan
5.Tomo
Puppis; stern
Japan
6.Tirou
A formal and respectful way of greeting in Chuukese culture
Micronesia
7.Narae
The wing of a bird or an insect
Republic of Korea
8.Burapha
East
Thailand
9.Hoaban
It is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family, a typical flower of the Northwest mountains of Vietnam, it has a pleasant scent and blooms every spring
Vietnam
According to convention, the Typhoon Committee will consider retiring the name of a tropical cyclone which has caused serious casualties and economic losses. Typhoon Ewiniar hit the Philippines in late May 2024, causing six deaths and eight injuries. More than 150 000 people were affected and economic losses exceeded PHP1.04 billion. In early September 2024, Super Typhoon Yagi left 21 deaths, 26 missing and 22 injuries in the Philippines during its passage. More than three million people were affected and economic losses exceeded PHP2.6 billion. Super Typhoon Krathon brought torrential rain to the northern part of the Philippines in late September to early October 2024, resulting in five deaths, one missing and 12 injuries. Over 380 000 people were affected and economic losses exceeded PHP1.5 billion. Typhoon Trami and Super Typhoon Kong-rey in late October 2024 caused a total of 159 deaths, 22 missing and 132 injuries in the Philippines. More than 9.6 million people were affected and economic losses exceeded PHP18.4 billion. Typhoon Toraji, Super Typhoon Usagi and Super Typhoon Man-yi hit the Philippines successively in mid-November 2024, causing a total of 14 deaths, two missing, 15 injuries with more than 4.3 million people affected. Economic losses exceeded PHP3.7 billion. Additionally, "Jebi" has been retired due to an inappropriate meaning in other languages.
The latest list of tropical cyclone names and their corresponding meanings are available on the Hong Kong Observatory webpage for Tropical Cyclone Names in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea with effect from 2026.
Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 9) investigating a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The case involves a 5-year-old girl with underlying illnesses. She developed a fever, cough with sputum, chills, rigors, and shortness of breath on August 7. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday (August 8) and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with sepsis. She remains hospitalised and is in serious condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. She had no travel history during the incubation period. Her household contacts remain asymptomatic.The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. The latest surveillance data showed that the influenza activity is at a high level currently. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 9.94 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.73 cases per 10 000 population last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) and influenza A (H1) (45 per cent each), the rest were influenza B (10 per cent). We expect the level of influenza activity to remain high in the coming weeks," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
"The World Health Organization has already announced its recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines for the 2026/27 season in the northern hemisphere. Vaccine manufacturers are currently producing vaccines in accordance with the recommendations for use by the end of the year. The Government has completed the procurement process for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes and is actively preparing various vaccination arrangements. In addition, influenza and COVID-19 activities are at a high level currently, I urge members of the public, especially children, the elderly and high-risk groups such as those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, to seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms, as their condition may deteriorate rapidly. This will help reduce the risk of complications. If you live with members of high-risk groups, you should wear a surgical mask at home and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you develop respiratory symptoms to reduce the risk of infecting them. Other effective ways to reduce the spread of the disease include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper indoor air circulation," he added.
Dr Tsui also reminded parents that the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. Parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza WebpageandCOVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, for the latest information.
Source: AI-found images
