The aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, which touched down on September 7, 2024, with wind speeds reaching up to 126 mph, continues to cause misery in northern Vietnam. The death toll has now risen to 233, as rescue missions persist in the mountainous regions that were hardest hit by the strongest typhoon in decades.
The disaster brought about by flash floods and landslides laid waste to entire communities and caused severe damage to essential infrastructure. As the country receives international aid, the long journey to recovery is made more difficult by ongoing storms and swelling rivers.
In the Lao Cai province, the Lang Nu hamlet was entirely obliterated by surging floodwaters, resulting in 48 deaths and leaving 39 inhabitants still missing. Rescue efforts were hindered by the significant damage to routes leading to the isolated area, making it challenging to transport the heavy machinery required for search and recovery operations.
The effects of the typhoon extend beyond Lao Cai. In the Cao Bang province, a landslide forced a bus, car, and several motorcycles into an engorged river, leading to 21 confirmed deaths and 10 individuals still unaccounted for.
Severe flooding also impacted the capital city of Hanoi, with water levels in some regions reaching as high as the neck.
Mai Anh, a bakery owner, evacuated the area with her family to find shelter at her parents’ house. She returned on Thursday to examine the state of her shop, only to find over two feet of water still inside. She observed that running her business under such conditions was unfeasible, as the entire stock in her store had been destroyed.
The widespread flooding and landslides also heavily impacted Vietnam’s industrial sector. Factories in northern provinces like Haiphong, which houses electric car company VinFast and various electronic manufacturers including Apple parts suppliers, sustained notable damage.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies predicts that although 95% of businesses in Haiphong were expected to restart some operations, the restoration efforts would likely lead to decreased production for the subsequent weeks or months.
In Thailand, officials reported 10 deaths. The situation in Myanmar was just as dire, with the military reporting at least 33 deaths across the country. Local news sources indicate that the number may be even higher, with scores of people reported missing in flood and landslide-affected areas.
The international community has swiftly reacted to Vietnam’s crisis, with several countries pledging support and resources. Australia supplied humanitarian aid as part of a $2 million assistance package. South Korea promised $2 million in aid, while the United States Embassy announced $1 million in support through the U.S. Agency for International Development.
