Vietnam’s northern regions, including the capital city of Hanoi and its key electronics hub, are under threat of flooding following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yagi.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has issued warnings of potential flash floods and landslides due to ongoing heavy rainfall expected to continue through Tuesday.
The typhoon, which made landfall on September 7, has resulted in significant loss of life, with local media reporting that at least 68 people have died or gone missing in northern Vietnam. The storm has been described as one of the most powerful to hit the region this year, causing widespread destruction.
As of Monday, the weather agency reported rainfall amounts ranging from 208mm to 433mm (8.2 to 17.1 inches) across various areas, exacerbating the risk of further flooding. The provinces of Son La, Hoa Binh, and Thai Nguyen are particularly at risk, with authorities urging residents to remain vigilant.
Tragically, the typhoon has already claimed lives, including a family of four who were killed when a landslide struck their home in Hoa Binh province. Additionally, a landslide in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a newborn and a one-year-old child.
The storm’s impact has been severe, damaging nearly 3,300 homes and affecting over 120,000 hectares of agricultural land. In coastal areas, fishermen reported significant losses, with 30 boats sinking in Quang Ninh province due to strong winds and high waves.
In response to the disaster, emergency services and local authorities are engaged in rescue and recovery efforts, while the government is assessing the extent of the damage. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing concerns about the potential for additional flooding and landslides as the region continues to experience heavy rainfall.