Five new additions have been added to the name list for tropical cyclone in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea.

They are Leepi (the most beautiful waterfull in southern Laos) from Laos; Sanba (a tourist resort) from Macau; Maliksi (meaning fast) from the Philippines; Mangkhut (mangosteen) from Thailand; and Son-Tinh (meaning God of mountain) from Vietnam.

They replace Xangsane, Chanchu, Bilis, Durian and Saomai.

A country or region which has suffered serious human casualties and economic losses from a tropical cyclone can propose to remove its name from the list.

Typhoon Chanchu rampaged through the coastal areas of southeastern China in May 2006. Vietnamese fishing boats capsized, causing the deaths of at least 44 fishermen and left more than 160 missing. 

Severe Tropical Storm Bilis brought heavy rain and landslides to the northern part of the Philippines in July, resulting in 14 deaths, seven missing and 20,000 homeless. 

Typhoon Saomai brought severe damage to Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangxi in August. At least 460 people were killed and the direct economic losses exceeded 23.8 billion yuan. 

Xangsane made landfall over central Vietnam after crossing the Philippines and Thailand in September, causing 42 deaths and prompting the evacuation of 200,000 people.

Typhoon Durian crossed the central part of the Philippines in November and triggered widespread mudslides. Over 570 people were killed with 746 missing. Crop damage was estimated at US$10 million.

For the latest tropical cyclone name list, click here.