Typhoon Yagi left a trail of destruction across northern Vietnam after hitting land on September 7, 2024, with wind speeds reaching up to 126 mph. The death toll has risen to 233 and continues to rise as rescue efforts persist in the severely impacted mountain regions.
Flash floods and landslides obliterated entire communities and caused serious damage to crucial infrastructure. As international assistance continues to flow in, Vietnam faces a lengthy recovery process with the threat of additional storms and swelling rivers.
In Lao Cai province, the Lang Nu hamlet was entirely washed away by powerful floodwaters, resulting in 48 deaths and several people still missing. The extensive damage to access roads has complicated rescue operations, hindering the delivery of heavy equipment necessary for search and recovery tasks.
The effects of the typhoon have been felt well beyond Lao Cai. In Cao Bang province, a landslide forced a bus, car, and several motorcycles into a swollen river, causing 21 confirmed deaths and leaving 10 people unaccounted for.
Hanoi, the capital city, also suffered from severe flooding, with water levels reaching up to the neck in some neighborhoods.
Local bakery owner Mai Anh evacuated her home with her family, seeking shelter at her parents’ residence. However, upon her return on Thursday to assess her business, she found over two feet of standing water inside her shop. She stated that operating under these conditions was impossible as her store’s inventory was fully destroyed.
The floods and landslides also heavily impacted Vietnam’s industrial sector. Factories in northern provinces like Haiphong, which houses electric car company VinFast and several electronic manufacturers, including Apple parts suppliers, experienced significant damage.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates that while 95% of businesses in Haiphong were expected to restart operations, the repair efforts would likely result in decreased production for weeks or even months.
In Thailand, officials reported 10 deaths and issued warnings about the ongoing risk of flash floods in various areas. The situation in Myanmar is also severe, with the military reporting at least 33 nationwide deaths. Local news reports indicate the death toll may be higher, with dozens of individuals reported missing in regions affected by floods and landslides.
The international community promptly responded to Vietnam’s crisis, with several countries committing support and resources. Australia sent humanitarian supplies as part of a $2 million assistance package. South Korea pledged $2 million in aid, and the U.S. Embassy announced $1 million in support through the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Flood warnings were issued for specific Hanoi areas, including Phuc Tan beach, Phuc Xa beach, and the wards of Tu Lien, Quang Ba, and Phu Thuong. As water levels continue to rise in rivers throughout northern regions, concerns are growing about the possibility of additional widespread flooding.