Latest storm news today, Revealing the origin of the name, "Typhoon Chan-hom", a tropical storm with a name familiar to Thai people, though Thailand did not name it. Exploring the meaning of 'Chan-hom,' the storm naming system, and the countries affected by this storm.
Whenever news of a new storm emerges, the storm's name always draws public interest. Recently, " Typhoon Chan-hom " (Chan-hom) is a tropical storm name familiar to many Thais who may wonder about its meaning.
The storm name "Chan-hom" was proposed by the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos). In Lao, it means a type of tree with fragrant wood. (Similar in nature to sandalwood)
Using local plant or living organism names for storms reflects a country's cultural connection to nature and heritage. The name "Chan-hom" has been used repeatedly as a tropical cyclone name over several cycles.
The Typhoon Committee of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) sets the naming system for storms forming in the Northwest Pacific Ocean and the northern South China Sea. Fourteen member countries and territories in the region, including Thailand and Laos, each propose 10 names, totaling 140 names. These are divided into five groups and rotated alphabetically by the proposing country to ensure efficient and clear storm communication and warnings.
Although the name comes from Laos, this storm moved to affect other countries. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Chan-hom made landfall in Ibaraki Prefecture, marking the first such event recorded there since records began in 1951.
The storm caused strong gusts in Tokyo, uprooted trees, and left over 3,000 homes in Ibaraki and Tochigi without electricity. This disrupted travel during Japan's Obon holiday. The storm has since weakened and is moving westward.
The name "Typhoon Chan-hom" thus represents not only a natural hazard but also carries the significance of a fragrant tree from Laos and exemplifies international cooperation in weather warnings. Although the storm did not enter Thailand, travelers to Japan at this time should closely monitor weather updates.