On Monday, September 9, 2024, Vietnam faced a devastating aftermath from Typhoon Yagi, resulting in a bridge collapse, a bus swept away by floods, and a rising death toll. The typhoon, followed by heavy rains, claimed the lives of at least 64 individuals and caused extensive damage to factories in the country’s northern industrial regions, as reported by state media.
Bridge Collapse and Fatal Floods
The tragic events unfolded with a bridge collapse and a bus being swept into floodwaters. The incident not only led to casualties but also left a trail of destruction in its wake. Nine people lost their lives on Saturday when Typhoon Yagi first hit Vietnam, subsequently transitioning into a tropical depression. The death toll continued to rise as floods and landslides wreaked havoc on Sunday and Monday, according to a report by VN Express.
The water levels in several rivers in northern Vietnam surged to alarming heights, exacerbating the unfolding crisis. In Cao Bang province, a bus carrying 20 passengers fell victim to a landslide, plunging into a flooded stream. Tragically, four bodies were recovered from the bus, with one survivor rescued, while the fate of the remaining passengers remained uncertain.
Meanwhile, in Phu Tho province, rescue efforts were underway following the collapse of a steel bridge over the swollen Red River on Monday morning. Reports indicated that multiple vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, tumbled into the river. While some individuals were rescued and given medical attention, at least ten people were reported missing.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with Nguyen Minh Hai expressing profound gratitude for narrowly escaping death in the flooded river. Another survivor, Pham Truong Son, shared a chilling account of his ordeal, underscoring the chaotic and life-threatening nature of the disaster.
Impact on Businesses and Infrastructure
The catastrophic events also took a toll on the region’s industrial sector, particularly in Haiphong province, where numerous businesses grappled with significant damages to their facilities. Factories bore the brunt of the disaster, with roofs torn asunder and essential equipment compromised by infiltrating floodwaters. Recovery efforts were hampered by prolonged power outages, with some enterprises estimating a month-long hiatus in production.
Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces, pivotal industrial hubs housing key factories like EV manufacturer VinFast and Apple suppliers, faced severe infrastructural damage. Power outages persisted in these provinces, exacerbating the challenges facing businesses striving to resume operations. Preliminary estimates indicated that nearly 100 enterprises incurred substantial losses amounting to millions of dollars.
Recognizing the urgent need for aid, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Haiphong city and sanctioned a $4.62 million relief package to expedite the city’s recovery efforts.
Environmental and Societal Impact
Typhoon Yagi marked a historic event, emerging as the most potent typhoon to strike Vietnam in decades with wind speeds reaching up to 149 kph (92 mph) upon landfall. The subsequent deluge not only triggered floods and landslides but also inflicted severe damage on the region’s agricultural lands.
The calamity extended beyond physical infrastructure, claiming lives in Sapa town and leaving scores injured. The heart-wrenching loss of lives, including that of an infant, underscored the profound impact of natural disasters on communities in vulnerable areas.
As the cleanup efforts began in Hanoi amidst overcast skies and intermittent rain, the forecast warned of excessive rainfall in northwestern Vietnam. The lingering aftermath of Typhoon Yagi continued to pose threats of additional flooding and landslides, necessitating vigilant monitoring and response measures.
Regional Ramifications and Climate Change Perspective
Prior to its onslaught in Vietnam, Typhoon Yagi had already left a trail of destruction in the Philippines and southern China, illustrating the far-reaching impact of such natural disasters across borders. Chinese authorities reported substantial infrastructural damages in Hainan island province, emphasizing the widespread repercussions of the typhoon in the region.
Experts highlighted the link between climate change and the intensification of storms like Typhoon Yagi, attributing the phenomenon to warmer ocean temperatures fueling more potent storms with heightened wind speeds and heavier rainfall. This environmental perspective underscored the urgency of addressing climate change and bolstering resilience against future natural calamities.
As Vietnam grapples with the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, the collective efforts of citizens, authorities, and international partners are essential in rebuilding communities, restoring livelihoods, and fortifying infrastructure against future disasters.
Published – September 10, 2024 08:44 am IST