Locations Affected: Vietnam
Flooding and landslides due to Super Typhoon Yagi have resulted in widespread damage, evacuation of 50,000 people, at least 35 casualties, and injuries to 299 people in northern Vietnam. The typhoon, termed the most powerful storm in Asia this year, made landfall on Vietnam’s northeastern coast on 07 September and weakened into a tropical depression on 08 September. Before making landfall in Vietnam, Typhoon Yagi also affected southern China and the Philippines, leading to severe damage and death of at least 24 people.
According to scientists, climate change has led to typhoons and hurricanes becoming stronger, more frequent, and staying over land for a longer duration. Warmer ocean water results in increased energy for storms and higher wind speeds.
Intensification of storms due to climate change
According to scientists, climate change has led to typhoons and hurricanes becoming stronger, more frequent, and staying over land for a longer duration. Warmer ocean water results in increased energy for storms and higher wind speeds.
Impact of the Super Typhoon Yagi across Vietnam
- · Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces were hit with winds of up to 203 km/hr (126 mph) after the typhoon made landfall.
- The typhoon has disrupted power and telecommunications in several parts of the country, including Hanoi, Quang Ninh, and Hai Phong.
- As the northeastern coast of Vietnam houses large manufacturing operations of domestic and foreign companies, the typhoon led to a halt of economic activity in many industrial hubs.
- Around 8,000 houses and more than 120,000 hectares of crops were damaged in northern Vietnam.
- Landslides occurred in the Hoa Binh, Sa Pa, and Lao Cai provinces. Flooding was reported in Hanoi and the port city of Hai Phong.
- Strong winds and waves due to the storm led to the sinking of 30 vessels at boat lock areas along Ha Long Bay in coastal Quang Ninh province and damage to at least 23 boasts at the Hai Au boat lock in Tuan Chau Island.
- Multiple national highways across northern provinces, including National Highway 4E, 4D, and 279, have been blocked due to landslides. A Phong Chau bridge on National Highway 32C in the Phu Tho province collapsed on 09 September.
Weather forecast and recommendations
The storm is expected to weaken further as it moves towards the west. However, meteorologists have warned of floods and landslides in the upcoming days due to the lingering effects of the storm. Heavy rainfall is forecast across the northern provinces on 09 September. Flood risks are particularly high in Lang Son, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, and Thai Nguyen provinces. Operations are ongoing to clear uprooted tears, fallen billboards, electricity poles, and rooftops. Vietnam’s state electricity company, Vietnam Energy (EVM), has stated that power has been restored for around 75 percent of affected customers. Flights can be delayed or cancelled depending on the weather conditions. Travel disruptions on roads can continue until flooding subsides and debris is cleared. Organizations are advised to remain updated on the situation and prepare necessary contingency plans. Typhoon and weather warnings can be found on the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) website via https://nchmf.gov.vn/KttvsiteE/en-US/2/index.html
