Typhoon Yagi leaves 100 dead in Vietnam, China and the Philippines

Authorities in northern Vietnam are grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia so far in 2024, which has left at least 100 people dead in Vietnam, China and the Philippines.

In Vietnam, the typhoon has killed more than 60 people, left hundreds injured and dozens missing due to flooding, landslides and widespread destruction.

The storm hit Vietnam on Saturday, causing widespread damage, including the collapse of the Phong Chau Bridge over the Red River in Phu Tho province, where three people died and 13 are still missing after several vehicles plunged into the water. In the mountainous province of Cao Bang, a bus was swept away by floodwaters and landslides, leaving an unknown number missing. Strong winds cut power in several regions, and authorities have evacuated 50,000 residents from high-risk areas.

More than 3,300 homes have been damaged, 120,000 hectares of crops destroyed and 1.5 million people are without power. Thirty boats have also sunk in the coastal region of Quang Ninh province near Ha Long Bay. Schools in 12 northern provinces remain closed as recovery efforts intensify.

Before hitting Vietnam, Typhoon Yagi had already wreaked havoc in China and the Philippines, killing 24 people. Although Vietnam’s meteorological department has downgraded the storm, it still warns of the risks of further flooding and landslides, and has urged residents to stay indoors.

Scientists warn that climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of typhoons in East Asia, underscoring the need to improve disaster resilience and adapt prevention measures against extreme weather events.