Typhoon Yagi has left a trail of destruction in its wake, claiming the lives of at least 143 people and leaving 58 others missing in Vietnam, according to the government’s announcement on Wednesday. The devastating storm, which struck the country on Saturday, brought winds exceeding 149 kilometers (92 miles) per hour and relentless rain that has caused unprecedented flooding in decades.
The impact of Yagi extends beyond the tragic loss of life. The storm has destroyed an estimated 210,000 hectares of crops, as reported by Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture. In the capital city of Hanoi, the Red River has been rising alarmingly, with water levels increasing by 10 centimeters every hour, as reported by state media late on Tuesday. The flooding in Hanoi has reached levels not seen since 2008, prompting authorities to advise students to stay home for the rest of the week and forcing thousands of residents living in low-lying areas to evacuate.
The severity of the situation is evident in the accounts of those directly affected. Phan Thi Tuyet, a 50-year-old resident living near the swollen Red River, shared her harrowing experience. “I have lost everything, all gone,” she told AFP, clutching her two dogs as she was evacuated by boat, along with other residents whose homes were flooded. “I had to come to higher ground to save our lives. We could not bring any of the furniture with us. Everything is under water now.”
Rescuers are working tirelessly to reach residential areas and evacuate elderly individuals and children. Social media platforms are filled with urgent calls for assistance and supplies from those trapped in floodwaters. In addition to the casualties and missing, the flooding and landslides caused by Yagi have also injured at least 752 people, according to officials at the Ministry of Agriculture.
The aftermath of Typhoon Yagi paints a grim picture of the devastating impact of natural disasters. As rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clearer, the world watches with concern as Vietnam grapples with the consequences of this powerful storm.
