Northern Vietnam has been severely impacted by Typhoon Yagi, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and 299 injuries. The storm, which made landfall on 2024-09-07, has caused widespread disruption and prompted warnings of further flooding and landslides.
Typhoon Yagi, recognized as Asia's most powerful storm of the year, struck Vietnam's northeastern coast with devastating force. The country, which typically experiences 12-14 tropical storms annually, faces significant challenges in the storm's wake. Vietnam's extensive 3,260-kilometer coastline makes it particularly vulnerable to such extreme weather events.
The government reported that the typhoon has disrupted power supplies and telecommunications in several areas, with Quang Ninh province and Haiphong city being the most affected. Quang Ninh, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Ha Long Bay, and Haiphong, Vietnam's third-largest city and a major port, are now grappling with the storm's aftermath.
On 2024-09-09, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting issued a stark warning about the ongoing threat of floods and landslides. The agency reported rainfall ranging from 208 to 433 millimeters in various parts of the region over the preceding 24 hours. This heavy precipitation has heightened the risk of secondary hazards, particularly in mountainous areas.
The provinces of Lang Son, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, and Thai Nguyen have been identified as being at high risk of flooding. These regions, known for their diverse landscapes ranging from border areas to tea-producing zones, are now on high alert. Lang Son's proximity to China and Cao Bang's famous Ban Gioc Waterfall, the world's fourth-largest border waterfall, underscore the geographical challenges faced in disaster management.
Vietnam's Disaster Management Authority, established in 2017, is coordinating response efforts. The country has been implementing a national strategy for natural disaster prevention and control, which includes improving early warning systems. However, the intensity of Typhoon Yagi highlights the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, which is expected to increase the frequency and severity of such storms in the region.
As Vietnam confronts this disaster, the importance of sustainable practices becomes evident. Deforestation has contributed to increased flood risks in some areas, emphasizing the need for environmental conservation alongside disaster preparedness efforts.
The aftermath of Typhoon Yagi serves as a stark reminder of nature's power and the critical importance of robust disaster management strategies in vulnerable coastal nations like Vietnam.