Vietnam Death Toll Reaches 143 and Continues to Rise Amid Heavy Rain

As of September 11, the devastating impacts of supertyphoon Yagi have left 143 individuals dead in Vietnam, with the toll likely to increase as the aftermath continues to unfold. The government has reported that ongoing weather conditions are hindering recovery efforts.

In addition to the fatalities, more than 700 individuals have sustained injuries, and 149 remain unaccounted for. This includes eight people missing due to the collapse of a road bridge over the Red River in Phu Tho province. The relentless rains, remnants of Yagi, have caused additional landslides in remote areas and have led to severe flooding in the capital, Hanoi.

The Ministry of Public Security indicated that storm-related incidents have resulted in widespread destruction. Thousands of homes have either collapsed, been washed away, or inundated with water. Significant agricultural losses have also been reported, with thousands of hectares of rice and crops affected, leading to damages estimated in the hundreds of billions of dong.

Efforts to respond to the crisis have been complicated by numerous roads being submerged, damaged, or entirely inaccessible. In light of this dire situation, the Ministry announced a concerted cross-government initiative to assist those affected by Yagi. A response force comprising 5,000 police officers and troops has been mobilized across the northern regions to facilitate rescue operations, mitigate further damage, and maintain public order.

The ministry highlighted that officials from various localities have been proactive in evacuating and relocating affected individuals. They have deployed security forces and collaborated closely with specialized teams for search and rescue initiatives.

Among the casualties reported, there are public security officers and armed forces personnel who tragically lost their lives while attempting to rescue people and safeguard property. Lao Cai province has experienced the highest number of casualties, with 45 confirmed dead, and many others still missing. In the popular hiking resort of Sa Pa, six fatalities were confirmed, including a newborn and a one-year-old boy, as a result of a landslide.

The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi issued an emergency weather alert advising American citizens to find secure shelter and avoid traveling to the severely impacted areas, particularly in Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Thai Nguyen, and Cao Bang provinces. The embassy is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the continued dangers present due to the aftermath of Yagi.

Reports indicate that fallen trees, downed power lines, compromised roads, flooding, and landslides have made many routes either impassable or unsafe. Local authorities have urged residents and travelers to heed advice and stay updated through local news, especially when navigating mountainous regions.

Yagi, which is considered the most powerful typhoon to strike Vietnam in three decades, made landfall on Saturday with winds reaching up to 125 mph, causing widespread devastation, including torn roofs and uprooted trees. Although it was downgraded to a tropical depression by late Sunday, the heavy rains have persisted, causing the Red River valley—one of Southeast Asia’s most populated regions—to swell alarmingly, with water levels rising by four inches per hour as of Tuesday.

This severe weather event has raised concerns regarding Vietnam’s capacity to handle increasingly powerful storms, a reality intensified by climate change. In regions like Haiphong and Quang Ninh, where Yagi first made landfall, extensive damage has been reported. Experts suggest this may become the most significant natural disaster Vietnam has faced in a generation.

In light of the catastrophe, some experts predict that the aftermath could prompt Vietnam to more seriously consider the threats posed by climate change. Professor Alexander Vuving from the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies commented that a lasting psychological impact might lead to changes in governmental policy regarding disaster preparedness and environmental resilience.

As Vietnam grapples with the immediate challenges presented by Yagi, the nation faces a critical juncture that could shape its approach to future climate-related threats.

Source: United Press International