A devastating flash flood swept through a remote hamlet in northern Vietnam, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. The flood, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed the lives of 16 people and left dozens more missing, bringing the overall death toll from typhoon-related flooding to 141.
The raging torrent, originating from a mountain in Lao Cai province, buried Lang Nu hamlet under a thick layer of mud and debris. The hamlet, home to 35 families, was completely engulfed, with only a handful of residents managing to escape the deadly deluge. Rescue workers have so far recovered 16 bodies and are tirelessly searching for around 40 others still missing.
The disaster is a direct consequence of Typhoon Yagi, the strongest typhoon to hit Vietnam in decades. The typhoon made landfall on Saturday, packing winds of up to 149 kph (92 mph), and while it weakened on Sunday, the torrential rainfall continued, causing widespread flooding and landslides. In addition to the 141 fatalities, 69 people remain missing, and hundreds have sustained injuries.
The devastating impact of the typhoon and subsequent flooding underscores the vulnerability of Vietnam to extreme weather events. The country’s mountainous terrain and extensive coastline make it susceptible to floods, landslides, and typhoons, posing a significant threat to its population and infrastructure.
