Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, has unleashed a devastating blow across northern Vietnam, China’s Hainan Island, and the Philippines, with preliminary reports indicating significant loss of life and widespread destruction. As of Sunday, Yagi, now downgraded to a tropical depression, has left a stark reminder of nature’s power and the fragility of human infrastructure.
The Vietnam Meteorological Agency reported that while Typhoon Yagi’s intensity has waned, the danger is far from over. The storm, which struck Vietnam with unprecedented force, continues to pose severe risks of flooding and landslides as it moves westward. This marks Yagi as the strongest typhoon to hit the region in decades.
Destruction in Northern Vietnam
Saturday saw Yagi making landfall in Vietnam, bringing with it catastrophic winds and rain. The storm’s fury was felt particularly in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, where it caused extensive flooding, toppled thousands of trees, and left a trail of destruction across homes and businesses. Preliminary reports from the government confirm that at least three lives were lost in Hanoi alone, with the total number of fatalities across the country reaching 14. This includes four people who died from a landslide in Hoa Binh Province, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of the capital.
Tragically, Yagi’s impact extended beyond Hanoi. In Hai Duong Province, a 53-year-old motorcyclist was killed by a falling tree, and in Halong City, one body has been recovered from the sea with a dozen others still missing. Rescue operations are poised to commence once conditions improve, but the damage to infrastructure and ongoing severe weather are hampering efforts.
Southern China and the Philippines: Further Toll
Yagi’s wrath was also felt on the southern Chinese island of Hainan, where the storm claimed four lives. Local authorities there report significant economic losses and widespread power outages. Preliminary estimates from emergency response teams, as reported by the state-run Hainan Daily, highlight the extensive impact on the region’s economy and infrastructure.
The Philippines, where Yagi first made landfall, has also suffered grievously. The civil defense office updated the death toll to 20, with 22 people still missing. The storm’s initial impact in the Philippines, characterized by torrential rains and high winds, set the stage for the widespread devastation that would follow as it moved northward.
Ongoing Risks and Recovery Efforts
In the wake of Yagi, the Vietnam Disaster Management Authority is warning of continued risks. The potential for flash floods near small rivers and streams, along with landslides on steep slopes in northern mountainous areas and the coastal province of Thanh Hoa, remains high. The meteorological agency has emphasized the importance of vigilance as the storm’s remnants continue to affect the region.
Relative calm has returned to Hanoi as cleanup efforts begin. Streets are being cleared of fallen trees, and the Noi Bai International Airport, the busiest in northern Vietnam, has resumed operations after being closed on Saturday morning. Despite these signs of recovery, the enormity of the storm’s impact is evident in the widespread damage and the challenges facing affected communities.
Hanoi resident Hoang Ngoc Nhien, reflecting on the storm’s devastation, described the scene: “The storm has devastated the city. Trees fell down on top of people’s houses, cars, and people on the street.”
As the region begins the arduous task of recovery and rebuilding, the full extent of Typhoon Yagi’s impact will continue to unfold. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in the path of such formidable natural forces.
