Severe Flooding and Typhoon Yagi’s Impact in Northern Vietnam

Severe Flooding and Typhoon Aftermath in Northern Vietnam

A devastating bridge collapse and the tragic loss of a passenger bus occurred in northern Vietnam on Monday as the region continued to experience heavy rainfall from the remnants of Typhoon Yagi. This catastrophic weather event has already claimed at least 59 lives across Southeast Asia, as reported by state media.

Initially, nine fatalities were reported during the typhoon’s impact when it made landfall in Vietnam on Saturday, bringing with it winds that reached up to 149 kilometers per hour before it weakened into a tropical depression. However, subsequent flooding and landslides have led to the tragic deaths of an additional 50 individuals. The water levels in several rivers throughout northern Vietnam have reached alarming heights, raising concerns about further disasters.

On Monday morning, a passenger bus carrying 20 individuals was swept away by a landslide into a flooded stream in the mountainous province of Cao Bang. Efforts to rescue those on board were hampered by additional landslides that blocked access to the site of the incident.

In nearby Phu Tho province, rescue operations were ongoing following the collapse of a steel bridge over the swollen Red River. Reports indicate that 10 cars, trucks, and two motorbikes plunged into the river as a result. So far, three individuals have been rescued and transported to a hospital, but 13 others remain unaccounted for.

Typhoon Yagi, known as one of the most powerful typhoons to strike Vietnam in decades, wreaked havoc upon its arrival. After making landfall on Saturday, it quickly downgraded to a tropical depression, but the national meteorological agency continues to issue warnings about the potential for further floods and landslides due to ongoing heavy rains.

In the picturesque town of Sa Pa, a landslide claimed the lives of six people, including an infant, while injuring nine others. Over the course of the weekend, state media reported a total of 21 deaths and at least 299 injuries related to the severe weather.

As the rain continued to fall on Monday morning, the skies over the capital city, Hanoi, remained overcast. City workers were tirelessly clearing debris from uprooted trees, fallen billboards, and toppled electricity poles. The northwest region of Vietnam is still experiencing heavy rainfall, with forecasts indicating that accumulations could exceed 40 centimeters in certain areas.

Agricultural Impact

The impact of Typhoon Yagi has been felt far and wide, with at least three million residents losing access to electricity in Quang Ninh and Haiphong provinces. The extent of power restoration remains uncertain. These two provinces serve as vital industrial hubs, hosting numerous factories that contribute to exports, including the electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast and suppliers for Apple.

Factory workers reported that many industrial parks were submerged, and several factory roofs were severely damaged or blown away. In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Haiphong city on Sunday and approved an emergency recovery package worth $4.62 million (€4.18 million).

Moreover, Typhoon Yagi has inflicted significant damage on agricultural land, affecting nearly 116,192 hectares primarily dedicated to rice cultivation. Prior to its landfall in Vietnam, the typhoon was responsible for at least 20 fatalities in the Philippines and three in China.

Experts warn that storms like Typhoon Yagi are becoming increasingly potent due to climate change. Benjamin Horton, director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore, noted that warmer ocean waters provide additional energy to intensify storms, leading to stronger winds and heavier rainfall.