The Typhoon Committee, recently released a list of 140 tropical cyclone names adopted by its Members for use in the Western North Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. The new naming system, which will lead to the standardization of the usage of names for tropical cyclones in the region, was approved during the 31st session of the Committee, held in the Philippines on 1-7 December 1998. This scheme is also expected to enhance alertness of the people to impending tropical cyclone hazard. The new method of assigning Asian names to tropical cyclones in the region will be implemented at the start of the new millenium on 1 January 2000.

Below is the list of names for tropical cyclones for use by the international press and for bulletins issued to international aviation and shipping. These names are to be used by the Typhoon Commiittee Members, which will include the Philippines, in issuing bulletins for the international community. The Philippines, through the PAGASA, will continue to use local names whenever a tropical cyclone is within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Contributed by	I	II	III	IV	V
Cambodia	Damrey	Kong-rey	Nakri	Krovanh	Sarika
China	Longwang	Yutu	Fengshen	Dujuan	Haima
DPR Korea	Kirogi	Toraji	Kalmaegi	Maemi	Meari
HK, China	Kai-tak	Man-yi	Fung-wong	Choi-wan	Ma-on
Japan	Tembin	Usagi	Kammuri	Koppu	Tokage
Lao PDR	Bolaven	Pabuk	Phanfone	Ketsana	Nock-ten
Macau, China	Chanchu	Wutip	Vangfong	Parma	Muifa
Malaysia	Jelawat	Sepat	Rusa	Melor	Merbok
Micronesia	Ewiniar	Fitow	Sinlaku	Nepartak	Nanmadol
Philippines	Bilis	Danas	Hagupit	Lupit	Talas
RO Korea	Kaemi	Nari	Changmi	Sudal	Noru
Thailand	Prapiroon	Vipa	Megkhla	Nida	Kularb
U.S.A.	Maria	Francisco	Higos	Omais	Roke
Vietnam	Saomai	Lekima	Bavi	Conson	Sonca

Contributed by	I	II	III	IV	V
Cambodia	Bopha	Krosa	Maysak	Chanthu	Nesat
China	Wukong	Haiyan	Haishen	Dianmu	Haitang
DPR Korea	Sonamu	Podul	Pongsona	Mindulle	Nalgae
HK, China	Shanshan	Lingling	Yanyan	Tingting	Banyan
Japan	Yagi	Kajiki	Kujira	Kompasu	Washi
Lao PDR	Xangsane	Faxai	Chan-hom	Namtheum	Matsa
Macau, China	Bebinca	Vamei	Linfa	Malou	Sanvu
Malaysia	Rumbia	Tapah	Nangka	Meranti	Mawar
Micronesia	Soulik	Mitag	Soudelor	Rananim	Guchol
Philippines	Cimaron	Hagibis	Imbudo	Malakas	Talim
RO Korea	Chebi	Noguri	Koni	Megi	Nabi
Thailand	Durian	Ramasoon	Hanuman	Chaba	Khanun
U.S.A.	Utor	Chataan	Etau	Kodo	Vicente
Vietnam	Trami	Halong	Vamco	Songda	Saola