The havoc wreaked by Typhoon Yagi, which hit northern Vietnam on September 7, 2024, with gusts reaching up to 126 mph, continues to unfold. The death toll has risen to 233, and rescue operations persist in the mountainous regions most affected.
Swift flash floods and landslides have caused widespread destruction, obliterating entire communities and causing severe damage to vital infrastructure. Even as international aid flows in, Vietnam faces a lengthy recovery process, complicated by persistent storms and swelling rivers.
The hamlet of Lang Nu in Lao Cai province was completely obliterated by the torrential floodwaters, resulting in 48 fatalities and leaving 39 inhabitants missing. Rescue efforts have been hindered by substantial damage to roads leading to this remote area, making the transportation of heavy equipment for search and recovery operations challenging.
But the effects of Typhoon Yagi extend beyond Lao Cai. In Cao Bang province, a landslide forced a bus, an automobile, and several motorcycles into an engorged river, resulting in 21 confirmed deaths and 10 people still missing.
Hanoi, the capital city, also grappled with severe flooding, with water levels rising to neck-height in some areas.
Mai Anh, a bakery owner, had fled the area with her family to seek shelter at her parents’ home. When she returned to check on her shop, she found over two feet of water still inside. She acknowledged that running her business under these conditions was unfeasible since her store’s inventory had been entirely spoiled.
The extensive flooding and landslides have also severely impacted Vietnam’s industrial sector. Factories in northern provinces, including Haiphong—home to electric car manufacturer VinFast and various electronic manufacturers, including Apple parts suppliers—have sustained significant damage.
According to The Center for Strategic and International Studies, while 95% of businesses in Haiphong were expected to restart operations after the storm, the extensive repair efforts will likely result in decreased production for weeks or even months.
In Thailand, authorities have confirmed 10 deaths. The situation in Myanmar is similarly bleak, with the military reporting at least 33 deaths across the country. Local reports suggest the death toll may be higher, with dozens of people reported missing in regions affected by floods and landslides.
Several countries have promptly responded to Vietnam’s crisis, pledging support and resources. Australia has provided humanitarian supplies as part of a $2 million assistance package. South Korea has pledged $2 million in aid, while the United States Embassy has announced $1 million in support through the U.S. Agency for International Development.
As water levels continue to rise in rivers across the northern regions, there are concerns about the possibility of further widespread flooding.