September 12th 2024.
The devastating aftermath of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam has left a trail of destruction, with state media reporting that nearly 200 people have lost their lives and 128 are still missing. Flash floods and landslides have ravaged the country, causing widespread damage and displacing thousands of residents.
According to VNExpress newspaper, 199 people have tragically perished while over 800 have been injured. In the capital city of Hanoi, the Red River water levels have slightly subsided, but many areas are still submerged in neck-high waters.
In the Tay Ho district of Hanoi, locals were seen braving through the muddy brown waters, some even wearing their helmets after abandoning their vehicles along the way. A few resorted to paddling with small boats while debris like empty water bottles and a styrofoam cooler floated by. One man even had to use an aluminum sloop to push his motorbike to drier ground.
Pedestrians were seen trying to lift their shorts as high as possible to avoid getting soaked by the waves caused by delivery trucks powering through the water. Mai Anh, a bakery owner, had to evacuate her family and seek shelter with her parents, but upon returning to her shop, she found over two feet of water still inside. "I can't do business like this," she expressed, devastated by the damage to her shop and goods.
The flooding in Hanoi has been reported as the worst in two decades, leading to evacuations and disruptions in basic services like power and drinking water. Hoang Anh Tu, who owns a beer shop, had to relocate with his family to his parents' house, but they had to take turns guarding their damaged home. "It's very difficult," he shared. "We haven't even assessed the damage yet because the flood came so fast."
Typhoon Yagi was the strongest storm to hit Vietnam in decades, making landfall on Saturday with winds of up to 149km/h. Although it weakened on Sunday, the heavy rains continued, keeping the rivers at dangerous levels. In response to this disaster, Australia's Foreign Ministry has pledged $2 million in humanitarian aid, including essential supplies and services. A Royal Australian Air Force transport aircraft has already delivered much-needed provisions, such as shelters and hygiene kits.
The death toll rose significantly earlier in the week when a flash flood swept away an entire village in Lao Cai province. Despite the tireless efforts of rescue personnel, 53 villagers are still missing, while seven more bodies have been recovered, bringing the death toll to 42. The majority of fatalities have occurred in the north-western Lao Cai province, which borders China and is home to popular trekking destination Sapa.
In addition to the flash floods, landslides have also caused significant damage and loss of life. In Phu Tho province, a steel bridge over the Red River collapsed, sending vehicles plunging into the water. In Cao Bang province, a bus carrying 20 passengers was swept away by a landslide into a flooded stream, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Experts have attributed the increasing strength of storms like Typhoon Yagi to climate change, as warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel them, resulting in higher winds and heavier rainfall. In the midst of this disaster, VNExpress has set up a WhatsApp channel to keep the public updated on the latest news, celebrity updates, and sports news. Stay informed and connected with us through this platform.
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