Typhoon Yagi Wreaks Havoc in Vietnam, Leaving Over 140 Dead

Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia in 2024, has devastated Vietnam, leaving at least 143 people dead as of September 11. The storm made landfall on September 7 along Vietnam's northern coast, unleashing fierce winds and torrential rain as it moved westward. The capital city of Hanoi and nearby provinces have been heavily impacted by the storm.

Flooding Prompts Evacuations in Hanoi

Severe flooding has led to mass evacuations of residents near Hanoi’s swollen Red River. Streets have been submerged, and thousands of families have been displaced. Schools in the capital are closed for the rest of the week as a precaution.

“This is the worst flooding I’ve witnessed in three decades,” said Tran Le Quyen, a 42-year-old Hanoi resident. She recounted how her street was dry just hours before the water levels surged, forcing her to move furniture to higher ground.

Landslides and Bridge Collapses Add to Destruction

A remote village in northern Vietnam was obliterated by a landslide triggered by flash floods, with reports indicating that 16 people lost their lives. Several others remain missing as rescue efforts continue. In Phu Tho province, a steel bridge collapsed on September 9, sending a truck plunging into the Red River.

Impact on Industrial Zones and Global Supply Chains

The storm has severely affected Vietnam’s industrial zones, particularly in the north, which are crucial for export industries. Several factories and warehouses were inundated, causing widespread disruption. Executives warn that it could take weeks for production to resume, potentially affecting global supply chains.

Ongoing Rescue and Recovery Efforts

As the toll continues to rise, with 58 people still missing in addition to the confirmed 143 fatalities, rescue operations are ongoing. The Vietnamese government has approved a $4.62 million aid package to help the port city of Hai Phong and other affected areas recover from the storm’s impact.

Typhoon Yagi has left a trail of destruction across northern Vietnam, and the full scope of the damage is still being assessed. Recovery efforts are expected to take months, with many communities facing a long road to rebuilding.