Three new tropical cyclone names have been added to this year's list for typhoons in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea, the Hong Kong Observatory announced today.

They are Yamaneko, Yun-yeung and Koinu.

Yamaneko, a name originating from Japan, is the constellation Lynx, and also means a cat that lives in mountains and forests.

Yun-yeung, from Hong Kong, is a species of duck and the name for a popular local drink prepared by mixing tea and coffee.

Koinu, from Japan, is the constellation Canis Minor, and also means a puppy.

The United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia & the Pacific/World Meteorological Organization Typhoon Committee endorsed the names at its 51st session held in Guangzhou.

They will replace the names of Hato, Kai-tak and Tembin.

The committee will consider retiring the name of tropical cyclones which have caused serious human casualties and economic losses.

In August 2017, typhoon Hato injured 129 people in Hong Kong. In Macau, the storm injured more than 240 and at least 10 people died.

There were at least 15 deaths and one missing person in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Guizhou and Yunnan during the passage of Hato. Around 740,000 people were affected and over 6,500 houses collapsed. 

Tropical storm Kai-tak and typhoon Tembin hit the Philippines in succession within a week in December 2017. At least 294 people were killed and more than 204 people went missing. 

Click here for the updated names list.