In a light-hearted yet potentially impactful endeavor, the Hong Kong Observatory conducted a competition to crowdsource new names for future typhoons, and the results reveal an amusing and creative imagination among the public.
Out of the 40 proposed names, more than 20,000 voters participated in the selection process, narrowing down the choices to a final list of 20. Surprisingly, “MilkTea” emerged as the clear favorite, suggesting a whimsical and unique approach to naming potential weather disturbances.
Following closely in the rankings were “Tsing-ma” (referencing the Tsing Ma Bridge) and “Fo-lung” (meaning fire dragon in Chinese), securing second and third places, respectively. The results showcase the public’s ability to envision various elements, from beverages like Shui-sin and Heung-pin teas to animals like Pui-pui, the saltwater crocodile captured in the city two decades ago, wreaking havoc as future typhoon names.
Interestingly, the generally docile panda failed to make an impact, with Ocean Park residents An-an, Jia-jia, Ying-ying, and Le-le not making the final cut. However, other imaginative names such as Dim-sum, Egret, Red-bean, Junk-boat, and Sampan were successful additions to Hong Kong’s reserve list of tropical cyclone names.
While the naming choices add a touch of humor, they also underscore the city’s ability to blend tradition, culture, and creativity even in the face of potential natural disasters. The results inject a sense of lightheartedness into a serious matter, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of Hong Kong’s spirit.
