For centuries, the fierce tropical cyclones battering the Northwest Pacific Ocean were known only by their location, date, or local descriptions. Today, however, we know them by names like Haiyan, Mangkhut, or Jebi. The system for naming typhoons is a fascinating blend of international cooperation, cultural representation, and practical necessity.

From Chaos to Coordination:

Before the year 2000, naming was inconsistent. The U.S. military used female names (based on an old phonetic alphabet), while Japan used numerical designations. Other regional weather agencies used their own systems, leading to confusion, especially when the same storm affected multiple countries. Recognizing the need for clarity in warnings and communication, the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) Typhoon Committee – comprising 14 member nations and territories in the region – established a standardized naming system.

The Roster: A Cultural Kaleidoscope:

The heart of the system is a pre-determined list of 140 names, contributed by the 14 members: Cambodia, China, North Korea, Hong Kong (China), Japan, Laos, Macau (China), Malaysia, Micronesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. Each member provides 10 names, reflecting their diverse cultures, languages, and geography. Names are often:

• Animals: Nuri (Malaysia - Bird), Dolphin (Hong Kong, China)

• Plants: Banyan (Macau, China), Tanh-Long (Vietnam - Dragon Fruit)

• Nature: Ampil (Cambodia - Cloud), Jongdari (North Korea - Skylark)

• Mythological Figures: Fengshen (China - God of Wind), Hagibis (Philippines - Speed)

• Astronomical Terms: Mirinae (South Korea - Galaxy)

• Place Names: Yutu (Micronesia - Famous island)

The Process: Orderly and Sequential:

1. The Lists: The 140 names are divided into 5 lists of 28 names each (arranged alphabetically by contributing country).

2. Rotation: The lists are used sequentially. List 1 is used one year, List 2 the next, and so on. After List 5, it cycles back to List 1.

3. Assignment: When a tropical depression strengthens into a tropical storm (with sustained winds of 34 knots/39 mph/63 kph), the next name on the current list is assigned by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center for the basin.

4. Pronunciation: Names are intended to be easily pronounceable and recognizable across the diverse region.

Retirement: Honoring the Destructive:

The system isn't static. If a typhoon is particularly devastating, causing significant loss of life or damage, the affected country(ies) can request that the WMO Typhoon Committee retire its name. This is done as a mark of respect for the victims and to avoid insensitivity in future references. The infamous Haiyan (Philippines, 2013), Mangkhut (Philippines/China/Hong Kong/Macau, 2018), and Rai (Philippines, 2021) are examples of retired names. The contributing nation then proposes a new name starting with the same letter to replace the retired one on the list.

Why Name Typhoons?

• Clarity & Communication: Unique, memorable names are far less confusing than technical designations (like coordinates or numbers) in warnings, news reports, and public communication, especially across different languages.

• Public Awareness: Names make it easier for the public to track and prepare for specific storms.

• Historical Record: Names simplify referencing past events in meteorological records and disaster management studies.

• Cultural Connection: The names reflect the rich diversity of the countries most affected by typhoons, fostering a sense of regional identity in facing a common hazard.

Beyond the Pacific:

It's worth noting that similar naming conventions exist for tropical cyclones globally:

• Hurricanes: Atlantic and Northeast Pacific (maintained by WMO's Hurricane Committee).

• Cyclones: Indian Ocean and South Pacific (maintained by relevant regional bodies).

Conclusion:

The naming of typhoons is much more than a whimsical tradition. It's a vital, internationally coordinated system born out of practical need. By replacing confusion with clarity, incorporating cultural heritage, and acknowledging the impact of the most severe storms through retirement, the system serves as a crucial tool in disaster preparedness, communication, and remembrance for the millions living in the vulnerable Northwest Pacific basin. The next time you hear a typhoon's name, remember it represents not just a weather event, but a complex story of international collaboration and cultural diversity.