The devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi on Vietnam has escalated dramatically, with the death toll soaring to 197 and 128 people still missing, according to the latest reports from the Vietnamese government. The storm, which made landfall on Saturday, September 7, 2024, with winds reaching up to 149 km/h (92 mph), has caused unprecedented destruction across northern Vietnam.The capital city, Hanoi, is grappling with what VNExpress describes as ‘the worst flooding in two decades,’ forcing residents to navigate streets by boat as floodwaters from the Red River inundate large areas. The disaster’s scope is staggering, with over 250,000 hectares of agricultural land destroyed and approximately 1.5 million livestock, mainly poultry and cattle, perishing in the storm’s wake.In the northwestern Lao Cai province, a flash flood swept away the entire hamlet of Lang Nu, leaving 53 villagers missing and bringing the death toll in the area to 42. The disaster has also had significant economic impacts, with food prices in Hanoi skyrocketing due to supply chain disruptions.The Vietnamese government has responded by deploying thousands of troops for rescue and relief efforts, with over 50,000 people evacuated from coastal cities in the north. However, the situation remains critical, with many areas still underwater and difficult to access.Climate experts are pointing to this disaster as yet another example of the increasing intensity of storms due to climate change. The unprecedented strength of Typhoon Yagi, described as the most powerful to hit northern Vietnam in 30 years, is seen as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by extreme weather events.The impact of Typhoon Yagi has extended beyond Vietnam’s borders, causing 20 deaths and 26 missing in the Philippines, and 4 deaths and 95 injuries in China. As rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the damage is assessed, the region faces a long and challenging road to recovery.
Key points
- Typhoon Yagi’s death toll in Vietnam has risen to 197, with 128 people still missing.
- Hanoi is experiencing its worst flooding in two decades, with many areas still underwater.
- Over 250,000 hectares of agricultural land have been destroyed, and approximately 1.
- The storm’s unprecedented strength is being linked to climate change, highlighting the growing threat of extreme weather events.
5 million livestock have perished.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported numbers of missing persons, with some sources citing ‘over 125’ and others specifying 128.
