Vietnam: Water levels still high after Typhoon Yagi
September 12, 2024
Water levels remained high in Vietnam's Red River in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. The death toll reached almost 200, with dozens reported missing.
Forecasters say water levels in northern Vietnam's Red River will remain high over the next day following floodingImage: XinHua/dpa/picture alliance
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Northern Vietnam was still reeling from the effects of Typhoon Yagi as parts of Hanoi remained flooded on Thursday. At least 197 have been reported dead and 128 are missing, with about 800 injured.
Vietnam's weather agency has said there will not be much change in water levels of the Red River over the next day. Thousands had to be evacuated as the river rose to a 20-year high level.
People in Hanoi's Tay Ho district had to wade through knee-deep water, with some even using small boats to get around.
The typhoon has flooded more than 200,000 hectares of rice and cash crop fields in the country.
"High flooding water levels have flooded riverside and low-lying areas, eroded dykes and threatened parts of Hanoi and other northern provinces," the country's disaster management agency said.
Vietnam: Cleanup begins in wake of Typhoon Yagi
01:52
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Strongest storm in Asia this year
Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall on Saturday was the strongest storm to hit Asia this year. It had winds of up to 149 kph (92 mph). It weakened on Sunday, but rainfall has continued with river levels still remaining high.
Several homes were flooded in Thai NguyenImage: Thinh Nguyen/REUTERS
"I never thought my house would be under water this deep. My clothes and furniture are all under the water. Many things were floating around too but luckily I closed the doors so nothing was washed away," Hoang Van Ty told the Reuters news agency in Thai Nguyen province, where floods are receding in some parts.
In Lao Cai province a flash flood swept Nu Village on Tuesday, Vietnam News Agency reported. It killed 46, with 55 reported missing. Authorities said 300 soldiers and 359 local officials were part of the search and rescue effort.
A bridge collapsed in Phu Tho province on Monday, killing dozens who were on the bridge in vehicles.
The typhoon has affected Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces as well, disrupting power and halting production in factories.
Australia, Japan, South Korea and the US are sending aid to Vietnam.
On Thursday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong pledged $3 million Australian dollars (€1.7 million) to Vietnam for humanitarian relief, emergency supplies and other essential services.
Vietnam: Dozens dead amid Typhoon Yagi's landslides, floods
Typhoon Yagi has killed dozens in Vietnam, leaving behind devastating damage. Authorities have described it as the strongest storm in decades. Several people remain missing after a bridge collapse.
Image: Thinh Nguyen/REUTERS
Taking shelter
The famous Train Street in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, was mostly empty on Saturday, ahead of Typhoon Yagi's arrival. The major storm, which first passed over the Philippines and southern China, raged over Vietnam for almost 15 hours, especially in the north.
Image: Sergei Bulkin/dpa/picture alliance
To the rescue
Wearing life jackets, rescuers in Bac Ninh province braved the muddy floods to reach people trapped by the rising water. At least 50 people are believed to have died as a result of Typhoon Yagi. According to official figures, some 300 people were also injured by landslides and flooding.
Image: VNA/picture alliance
Swept away
According to media reports, several vehicles and motorcycles were swept away when the Phong Chau Bridge in the country's north collapsed on Monday morning. It remains unclear how many people were missing. Rescuers are still searching the Red River for survivors.
Image: Bui Van Lanh/dpa/picture alliance
Widespread damage
Thousands of homes were damaged in Bac Giang province. The typhoon also flooded some 120,000 hectares (nearly 300,000 acres) of rice fields and destroyed more than 1,500 fishing grounds.
Image: Le Danh Lam/dpa/picture alliance
Strongest typhoon in decades
The storm uprooted more than 100,000 trees across the country, including 25,000 in Hanoi. At least 25 ships were lost in the churning sea. Many citizens were still without power on Monday. According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, the Chinese weather authority has classified Yagi as the strongest autumn typhoon since 1949.
Image: Aniruddha Ghosal/AP/picture alliance
Industry at a standstill
In the industrial area of Hai Phong, a building belonging to the South Korean company LG Electronics was severely damaged by the storm. Other buildings and factories have also been destroyed.
Image: Minh Nguyen/REUTERS
Joint effort
Recovery work is progressing slowly. Several airports have reopened, after temporarily ceasing operations over the weekend.
