WJR News

The death toll from Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia this year, has risen to 24 in northern Vietnam, according to the government. The storm, which made landfall on Saturday, triggered landslides and floods that have caused widespread damage, leaving another 299 people injured. As authorities assess the aftermath, they warn of the potential for further flooding in the coming days.

Devastation Across Northern Vietnam

Typhoon Yagi has wreaked havoc across several regions, with its impact primarily concentrated in Quang Ninh and Haiphong provinces. These areas have experienced significant disruption, including power outages and telecommunication breakdowns. In a statement issued late Sunday, the government confirmed the damage to infrastructure, emphasizing the widespread power disruptions across the northeastern coastal regions.

The storm has dumped between 208 and 433 millimeters (8.2 to 17.1 inches) of rain over a 24-hour period, leading to severe flooding and multiple landslides. The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that ongoing floods and landslides pose a grave threat to the environment and people’s lives.

Continued Threats of Flooding and Landslides

The weather agency has cautioned that the risk of additional flooding remains high, particularly in the provinces of Lang Son, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, and Thai Nguyen. Heavy rainfall, coupled with the already saturated soil, creates an imminent risk of more landslides in these areas.

“Floods and landslides are damaging the environment and threatening people’s lives,” the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting stated in their official report. The agency has urged local authorities and residents to remain vigilant, as the ongoing rains could lead to further devastation in the affected regions.

A Region in Crisis

Typhoon Yagi’s destructive power has placed northern Vietnam in a state of emergency. As rescue efforts continue, the focus is on evacuating residents from high-risk areas and providing aid to those already impacted by the storm. In areas hit hardest by the typhoon, local authorities are working around the clock to restore power supplies and reestablish communication networks.

The Vietnamese government has deployed emergency response teams to assist with evacuation efforts and deliver critical supplies, including food, water, and medical care, to the affected communities. However, access to remote areas remains challenging due to the ongoing weather conditions and damaged infrastructure.

Regional Impact of Typhoon Yagi

Typhoon Yagi is Asia’s strongest storm in 2023, and Vietnam has borne the brunt of its destruction. The storm’s landfall on Saturday brought winds and rain that far surpassed seasonal averages, with coastal regions like Quang Ninh and Haiphong suffering the most severe effects.

Efforts to mitigate future risks are underway, but the government has acknowledged that the region is not out of danger. The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has issued continued warnings for residents and officials to monitor water levels closely, especially in areas prone to flash flooding.

Government Response and International Aid

Vietnam’s central government has mobilized national emergency response mechanisms, dispatching specialized teams to assist local authorities in disaster management. International humanitarian organizations are also coordinating efforts to deliver assistance and assess the full scope of the crisis.

The government has pledged to provide immediate financial assistance to the victims’ families and those displaced by the typhoon. Reconstruction plans will be drawn up as soon as weather conditions stabilize, though it may take weeks for the full extent of the damage to become clear.

The ongoing threat of rain has hampered some relief efforts, but authorities remain committed to addressing the crisis. With further flood risks predicted, especially in low-lying areas and regions near rivers, efforts to safeguard lives and property continue to be a top priority.