typhoon Yagi Wreaks Havoc in Northern Vietnam: A Comprehensive Overview
Typhoon Yagi, one of the most powerful storms to hit Southeast Asia in recent years, made a significant impact on northern Vietnam over the weekend. Here’s a detailed look at the storm’s effects and the ongoing response efforts.
Storm Overview
Typhoon Yagi made landfall in northern Vietnam on Saturday afternoon, bringing with it winds reaching speeds of up to 149 km/h. The storm struck the coastal provinces of Quang Ninh and Haiphong, resulting in at least four deaths and 78 injuries. Vietnamese meteorologists have classified Yagi as one of the strongest typhoons the region has faced in the past decade.
Initial Impact in China
Before reaching Vietnam, Yagi caused significant damage in China’s Hainan province. The typhoon hit Wenchang city with wind speeds of 245 km/h, resulting in three fatalities and nearly 100 injuries. The storm’s ferocity led to the evacuation of around 420,000 residents in Hainan and impacted over 1.2 million people. Guangdong province also saw the relocation of 500,000 people before Yagi made a second landfall there.
Devastation in Vietnam
Upon reaching Vietnam, Yagi continued its destructive path. In Hanoi, strong winds from the storm caused a tree to fall, resulting in the death of a woman. Local authorities responded by evacuating areas at risk of floods and landslides, closing four airports, and implementing other safety measures. Despite these efforts, widespread power outages affected large areas, including Quang Ninh and Thai Binh provinces.
Quang Ninh and Haiphong: Key Affected Areas
Quang Ninh, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage site Ha Long Bay, experienced significant disruptions. Hundreds of cruises were canceled as a precautionary measure. Haiphong, an important industrial center housing major factories such as VinFast and Pegatron, also faced severe disruptions.
Hong Kong and the Philippines
Yagi’s impact extended beyond Vietnam. In Hong Kong, the storm led to over 270 people seeking refuge in shelters and caused more than 100 flight cancellations. Heavy rain and strong winds resulted in toppled trees and halted daily activities, including stock trading and bank services.
Earlier in the week, the Philippines was also hit hard by Yagi. The storm caused landslides and severe flooding, resulting in at least 20 deaths and 26 people missing. Over 82,000 people were displaced, and disruptions affected daily life across northern and central provinces, including metropolitan Manila.
Climate Change and Future Risks
Typhoon Yagi’s intensity underscores a growing concern: the impact of climate change on tropical cyclones. Warmer ocean waters, a result of climate change, are fueling increasingly severe storms. According to a UN climate change report, such intense typhoons are becoming more frequent, especially in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
As the region begins the recovery process, the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi highlights the critical need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies. With the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms, enhancing resilience and planning for future events will be essential in mitigating the impact of these natural disasters.