{
  "id": 257803,
  "title": "From Typhoon Dim-sum to frogs and snakes: Asia’s cyclones feature unusual names",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/from-typhoon-dim-sum-to-frogs-and-snakes-asias-cyclones-feature",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-07T08:59:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/from-typhoon-dim-sum-to-frogs-and-snakes-asias-cyclones-feature-unusual-names/articleshow/133027729.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent addition to the official list of tropical cyclone names in the western North Pacific and South China Sea, \"Dim-sum\" has been chosen despite its popularity as a delectable snack. A survey conducted by the Hong Kong Observatory in 2023 revealed that \"Dim-sum\" was the fourth most favored name out of a pool of 20,000 participants. Other unique names added to the 2026 list include \"Gaeguri,\" a frog from North Korea, \"Hoaban,\" a flower from Vietnam, and \"Tirou,\" a respectful greeting from Micronesia. Japan contributed two names, \"Hebi\" (snake) and \"Tomo\" (stern), while Cambodia suggested \"Koki,\" a large tree, and South Korea offered \"Narae,\" meaning the wing of a bird or insect. Thailand's contribution, \"Burapha,\" translates to East. These culturally-specific names replace previous English storm names, which were used by the US military during World War II, often named after loved ones. Out of the 140 names available, only a few have been retired due to particularly destructive storms.",
  "summary": "Asia's cyclones now feature an eclectic mix of names, including the unexpected addition of \"Dim-sum,\" inspired by the popular Chinese snack. The Typhoon Committee, an intergovernmental body, maintains a list of 140 names for tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific and South China Sea, with names generally reused unless a particularly destructive storm leads to its retirement. In 2026, nine new names were added to the list, ranging from food to animals, plants, greetings, and geographical terms. North Korea contributed \"Gaeguri,\" meaning frog, while Vietnam's \"Hoaban\" refers to a flower found in the country's mountains. Micronesia chose \"Tirou,\" a respectful greeting in Chuukese culture, and Japan supplied \"Hebi,\" meaning snake, and \"Tomo,\" meaning stern. Cambodia selected \"Koki,\" the name of a large tree, while the Republic of Korea contributed \"Narae,\" meaning the wing of a bird or insect. Thailand's contribution, \"Burapha,\" means East. Together with Hong Kong's \"Dim-sum,\" they make up the nine newly approved names.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}