Super Typhoon Yagi Hits Vietnam: Casualties, Airports Shut Down

The image represents the impact of Super Typhoon Yagi hitting the northern coast of Vietnam, with stormy skies, heavy winds, and visible damage caused by the storm.

Super Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm of 2024, wreaked havoc in northern Vietnam on September 7, 2024. The storm left four dead and dozens injured while causing significant infrastructure damage, airport closures, and mass evacuations.

Impact on Northern Vietnam

Yagi made landfall in the coastal regions of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces, bringing winds up to 160 km/h. The typhoon toppled trees, ripped off rooftops, and caused power outages that impacted thousands of households and businesses. Major airports, including Hanoi’s Noi Bai, were shut down for hours, resulting in over 300 canceled flights. Authorities also suspended public transport and shut down schools across 12 northern provinces, including the capital Hanoi.

Evacuations and Safety Measures

In anticipation of the storm, more than 50,000 residents were evacuated from coastal towns. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered military deployment to assist with evacuations and monitor flood-prone areas. Over 450,000 military personnel were mobilized to provide assistance during the storm and subsequent recovery efforts.

The government urged citizens to stay indoors as high winds and heavy rains continued. In Hai Phong, an industrial hub, the storm’s strong winds resulted in widespread damage to infrastructure, affecting multinational companies like VinFast and Apple supplier Pegatron.

Broader Impact Across Southeast Asia

Yagi had already caused significant destruction before reaching Vietnam. In Hainan, China, the storm killed at least two people and injured 92 others. It caused mass evacuations and power outages across southern China, disrupting life for hundreds of thousands. The Philippines was also severely impacted, with 16 deaths reported due to landslides and flooding.

Growing Threats Due to Climate Change

As one of the strongest storms in recent years, Yagi is a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of typhoons in the region. Scientists attribute this escalation to climate change, which warms ocean waters and intensifies storm systems, making them more destructive.

Conclusion

Super Typhoon Yagi has left a devastating mark on Vietnam and its neighbors, highlighting the growing threats posed by extreme weather events. As the region begins recovery efforts, the aftermath serves as a reminder of the need for robust disaster preparedness and the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.

*For more updates on Super Typhoon Yagi and its ongoing effects in Southeast Asia, stay tuned to Agantuk.*