Since making landfall on September 7, 2024, Typhoon Yagi has wreaked havoc across northern Vietnam with winds reaching speeds of up to 126 mph. The death toll has risen to 233, and rescue operations continue in the mountainous regions heavily impacted by the strongest storm to hit Vietnam in 30 years.
Flash floods and landslides have obliterated entire communities and inflicted severe damage on essential infrastructure. As the country grapples with the damage, international aid is flowing in. However, recovery efforts are challenged by ongoing storms and rising river levels.
In Lao Cai province, the small village of Lang Nu was entirely washed away by floodwaters, resulting in 48 fatalities and leaving 39 residents unaccounted for. The damage to access roads has complicated rescue operations; the heavy machinery needed for search and recovery efforts cannot reach the remote area.
The damage caused by Typhoon Yagi extends beyond Lao Cai. In Cao Bang province, a landslide pushed a bus, car, and several motorcycles into a river running high with floodwaters. This incident alone has resulted in 21 confirmed deaths, and 10 people are still missing.
Even Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, has been severely affected by flooding, with water levels reaching up to the neck in some residential areas.
Mai Anh, a bakery owner from Hanoi, returned to her shop after seeking refuge at her parents’ home. She found over two feet of water still inside, rendering her inventory useless and her business operations unfeasible.
The flooding and landslides have also dealt a significant blow to Vietnam’s industrial sector. Factories in the northern province of Haiphong, including electric car company VinFast and several electronic manufacturers supplying Apple parts, have suffered substantial damage.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, despite 95% of businesses in Haiphong expected to restart operations by September 10th, repair efforts may result in decreased production for the following weeks or even months.
Neighboring Thailand and Myanmar have also been affected. Thai authorities reported ten deaths and issued warnings of potential flash floods in the upcoming week. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s army reported at least 33 deaths across the country, with local news suggesting the actual toll could be higher due to missing people in flood and landslide-hit areas.
In response to Vietnam’s crisis, several countries have pledged resources and support. Australia has provided humanitarian supplies as part of a $2 million aid package, South Korea has committed $2 million in aid, and the U.S. Embassy has announced $1 million in support through the U.S. Agency for International Development.
With the forecast predicting more heavy rain, Vietnamese authorities remain vigilant. Flood warnings have been issued for specific areas in Hanoi, including Phuc Tan beach, Phuc Xa beach, and the wards of Tu Lien, Quang Ba, and Phu Thuong. Concerns are growing about the potential for additional widespread flooding as river levels continue to rise in northern regions.
