Typhoon Yagi has wrought significant devastation in northern Vietnam, with the death toll now reported at 127, as per the country’s disaster management agency. The severe weather event, accompanied by landslides and floods, has also left 54 people missing and nearly 764 injured.
Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Vietnam’s northeastern coast on Saturday, bringing heavy rains and severe flooding that have caused extensive damage across the region. This powerful storm had previously affected the Philippines and the southern Chinese island of Hainan before hitting Vietnam.
The typhoon has caused catastrophic landslides and flash floods, which have been the primary cause of the fatalities. The torrential rains associated with the typhoon led to rising river levels and significant flooding in many areas, including several key industrial and residential zones.
The typhoon’s impact has been particularly severe in northern Vietnam. The disaster management agency has reported that parts of the region, including the capital city of Hanoi, are facing extreme flooding. The northern industrial hubs, such as Bac Giang and Thai Nguyen, which host factories of multinational companies, are also experiencing significant disruptions due to the flooding. Although the precise extent of the impact on these companies is not yet clear, the flooding has severely affected local infrastructure and residential areas.
One notable incident involves the collapse of a 30-year-old bridge over the Red River in the northern province of Phu Tho. This tragic event has left eight people missing. Following the collapse, authorities have restricted or banned traffic on other bridges across the Red River, including the Chuong Duong Bridge, one of the largest in Hanoi, due to rapidly rising water levels.
The Vietnamese government is actively engaged in response efforts. Officials have used public loudspeakers, traditionally employed for broadcasting messages in the past, to warn residents in the capital’s Long Bien district about the rising floodwaters and to prepare for possible evacuations. Floodwaters have already reached villages on the outskirts of Hanoi, prompting immediate evacuations.
In Bac Giang province, evacuations are underway from flood-prone areas. The disaster has caused significant damage, with initial estimates suggesting that the typhoon and subsequent floods have inflicted approximately 300 billion dong ($12.1 million) in damage.
Authorities are working to manage the crisis and mitigate further risks, including monitoring river levels and providing assistance to affected residents. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to rescue individuals trapped by the flooding and landslides and to assess the full extent of the damage.
Severe floods are expected to continue impacting parts of northern Vietnam, with concerns that the situation could worsen as rain persists. The government’s efforts to control the situation are critical as the nation braces for further impacts from Typhoon Yagi.
Typhoon Yagi has caused widespread destruction in northern Vietnam, with a significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. The response from the Vietnamese government and local authorities is ongoing, with a focus on rescue operations, evacuations, and damage control. The situation remains dire, and the coming days will be crucial in determining the full extent of the storm’s impact and the effectiveness of the response measures in place.
