The aftermath of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam has resulted in a staggering death toll of 233, with rescue efforts ongoing to recover more bodies from areas ravaged by landslides and flash floods.
According to ABC News, the disaster has left 103 people still missing and over 800 injured across the country.
Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Saturday, September 7, 2024, triggering heavy rains that led to widespread flooding and landslides, particularly in Vietnam's mountainous northern regions. While flood waters from the swollen Red River in Hanoi are beginning to recede, many neighborhoods remain submerged, and northern areas are expected to face continued challenges for days to come.
The province of Lao Cai has suffered the highest number of fatalities, with the hamlet of Lang Nu being completely swept away by a flash flood on Tuesday. Eight villagers who were initially thought to be missing were found safe on Friday, having left the area before the deluge. However, the tragedy in Lang Nu remains severe, with 48 confirmed deaths and 39 people still unaccounted for.
The terrain surrounding Lang Nu has been severely damaged, hampering rescue efforts by making it impossible to bring in heavy equipment. Despite these challenges, approximately 500 personnel equipped with sniffer dogs are on site, tirelessly searching for survivors and recovering bodies. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the area on Thursday, pledging that search efforts would continue unabated.
The emotional toll on the survivors is immense. Tran Thi Ngan, a villager mourning at a makeshift altar for lost family members, expressed the community's grief, stating, "It's a disaster. That's the fate we have to accept."
The devastation extends beyond Lao Cai province. In Cao Bang, a northern province bordering China, 21 bodies have been recovered following a landslide that pushed vehicles into a flood-swollen river. Ten individuals remain missing in this incident alone.
The impact of Typhoon Yagi is not confined to Vietnam. Neighboring countries, including Thailand, Laos, and northeastern Myanmar, are also grappling with flooding and landslides.
In Thailand, 10 deaths have been reported, prompting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to visit affected areas. Myanmar has reported at least 33 deaths since Wednesday, with fears that this number could rise significantly as reports come in from flood-stricken regions.
The international community has responded to Vietnam's plight with offers of assistance. Australia has already delivered humanitarian supplies as part of a $2 million aid package. South Korea has pledged an equal amount, while the United States has committed $1 million in support through USAID.
A U.S. Embassy statement emphasized the ongoing nature of the crisis:
With more heavy rain forecast in the coming days, USAID's disaster experts continue to monitor humanitarian needs in close coordination with local emergency authorities and partners on the ground. USAID humanitarian experts on the ground are participating in ongoing assessments to ensure U.S. assistance rapidly reaches populations in need.
The typhoon's impact extends beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis. The Center for Strategic and International Studies has noted that damage to factories in northern provinces like Haiphong, home to various international manufacturers, could affect global supply chains. While many businesses were expected to resume some activity by September 10, repair efforts are likely to reduce output in the coming weeks and months.
Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Vietnam in decades, has left a trail of destruction across the country, with the death toll reaching 233 and over 100 people still missing. The northern provinces, particularly Lao Cai, have been hit hardest, with entire communities devastated by flash floods and landslides. International aid is pouring in as rescue efforts continue, but the full extent of the disaster's impact on both human lives and the economy is still unfolding.
