A devastating typhoon and heavy rain in Vietnam have led to a rising death toll of at least 64 people. The typhoon, named Yagi, made landfall in Vietnam on Saturday before weakening into a tropical depression. The subsequent floods and landslides have caused significant damage in the northern regions of the country, with the water levels of several rivers reaching dangerously high levels. In addition to the fatalities, many people are missing, including those who were swept away by flooding in a bus in mountainous Cao Bang province.
Rescue operations are ongoing in Phu Tho province where a steel bridge over the Red River collapsed, causing cars, trucks, and motorbikes to fall into the river. Some individuals were rescued, but at least 10 people remain missing. Eyewitnesses described their harrowing experiences of falling into the flooded river and clinging to objects to stay afloat until they were rescued. In Haiphong province, dozens of businesses have suffered extensive damage to their factories, with roofs blown apart and finished goods and equipment damaged by water. Some companies are facing a month-long delay in resuming production.
The industrial hubs of Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces, home to key factories such as VinFast and Apple suppliers, have been severely impacted by the typhoon and subsequent flooding. Many companies are still without electricity, hindering their ability to resume operations. Initial estimates suggest that nearly 100 enterprises have been damaged, resulting in significant financial losses. The prime minister approved a $4.62 million aid package to help Haiphong city recover from the disaster. Meanwhile, forecasters have warned of continued heavy rainfall in northwestern Vietnam, with some areas expected to receive over 15 inches of rain.
Typhoon Yagi was the strongest to hit Vietnam in decades, bringing winds up to 149 kph (92 mph) and causing widespread destruction. The storm weakened as it moved inland, but continued downpours have raised the risk of further floods and landslides. A landslide in Sapa town resulted in six fatalities, including an infant, and injuries to nine others. Overall, at least 21 people have died and nearly 300 have been injured as a result of the weekend’s weather events. The storm also caused agricultural damage, adding to the toll of destruction across the region.
Yagi’s impact extended beyond Vietnam, causing deaths in the Philippines and southern China before making landfall in Guangdong province. Chinese authorities reported significant infrastructure losses and damage to thousands of houses due to the storm. Experts attribute the increasing strength of storms like Yagi to climate change, as warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel storms, leading to higher wind speeds and heavier rainfall. As the cleanup and recovery efforts continue in Vietnam, the authorities are faced with the challenge of restoring normalcy in the affected regions and ensuring the safety and well-being of the population.
