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Typhoon Yagi's Devastating Impact in Vietnam

General Report November 3, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Overview of Typhoon Yagi
  3. Casualties and Injuries
  4. Damage to Infrastructure
  5. Environmental Impact
  6. Government Response and Recovery Efforts
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • Typhoon Yagi, recognized as Asia's most powerful storm of 2024, has caused severe damage across multiple countries, with northern Vietnam bearing significant impacts. The storm, originating as Severe Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines, regained strength in the South China Sea before making a destructive landfall in Vietnam. The typhoon resulted in numerous fatalities, injuries, and extensive infrastructure damage, with key areas such as Quang Ninh and Hai Phong being heavily affected. The storm uprooted trees, damaged homes and public buildings, and disrupted power and telecommunications across the region. The environmental aftermath includes widespread flooding, landslides, and ongoing risks of additional disasters, particularly affecting local agriculture and natural resources. The Vietnamese government, alongside emergency services, is actively engaged in recovery efforts, focusing on restoring essential services and supporting the displaced communities.

2. Overview of Typhoon Yagi

  • 2-1. Origin and development of Typhoon Yagi

  • Typhoon Yagi originated from a low-pressure area in September 2024. It was first recognized as Severe Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines. The storm affected several countries, including the Philippines, South China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar after making landfall in the Philippines, where it initially weakened as it moved over land. It regained strength once it entered the South China Sea.

  • 2-2. Classification as Asia’s most powerful storm of 2024

  • Typhoon Yagi has been classified as the most powerful storm to hit Asia in 2024. At its peak intensity, the typhoon reached winds of 195 km/h and had a central pressure of 915 hPa, making it equivalent to a Category 5 super typhoon. The typhoon is notable for the extensive damage it caused across multiple countries and the significant loss of life associated with its impact.

  • 2-3. Impact on multiple countries including the Philippines and China

  • The impact of Typhoon Yagi extended to countries such as the Philippines and China. In the Philippines, the typhoon caused significant casualties, with a reported 403 deaths, 1,068 injuries, and 148 individuals missing. In China, the storm made landfall on Hainan Island and in Guangdong province, leading to four deaths and 95 injuries, affecting over 1.2 million people in Hainan, Guangdong, and Guangxi provinces. The damage across eight countries was estimated at approximately US$9.45 billion.

3. Casualties and Injuries

  • 3-1. Initial death toll and injuries reported

  • According to various sources, Typhoon Yagi has resulted in a death toll of at least 24 people and has injured another 299 individuals in northern Vietnam. The storm, which has been described as the most powerful to hit Asia in 2024, made landfall on the northeastern coast of Vietnam on September 8, 2024. The government reported multiple fatalities stemming from landslides and floods triggered by the typhoon.

  • 3-2. Geographical distribution of fatalities

  • The geographical distribution of fatalities shows significant impacts primarily in areas such as Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. Initial reports indicated that at least three deaths occurred in Hanoi, and further fatalities were recorded in Hoa Binh province due to landslides. The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting noted especially heightened risks of flooding and landslides in the provinces of Lang Son, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, and Thai Nguyen.

  • 3-3. Long-term impact on affected communities

  • The long-term impacts on affected communities are expected to be substantial due to both the immediate destruction and the ongoing risks posed by flooding and landslides. Emergency services continue to work to restore essential services and support the affected populations. The cumulative effect of the storm and its aftermath will likely hinder recovery efforts in the regions devastated by Typhoon Yagi.

4. Damage to Infrastructure

  • 4-1. Destruction of homes and public buildings

  • Typhoon Yagi caused significant destruction to homes and public buildings across northern Vietnam. According to official reports, the typhoon uprooted thousands of trees, swept ships and boats out to sea, and ripped roofs off houses. The most affected areas included Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and other regions where substantial damage occurred, resulting in a severe loss of property and infrastructure.

  • 4-2. Disruption of power and telecommunications

  • The typhoon led to widespread disruption of power supplies and telecommunications in Vietnam, particularly affecting the capital, Hanoi. Reports indicate that many areas faced blackouts due to damaged transformers and transmission lines. Subsequently, emergency services worked tirelessly to restore essential services in the wake of significant flooding and damage to the infrastructure.

  • 4-3. Impact on transportation and evacuation efforts

  • Transportation was heavily impacted due to the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi. For instance, Noi Bai International Airport, the busiest in northern Vietnam, closed on Saturday morning but later reopened. The storm's aftermath resulted in extensive flooding and damaged roads, complicating evacuation efforts and further hindering response activities in the affected regions.

5. Environmental Impact

  • 5-1. Flooding and landslides caused by Typhoon Yagi

  • Typhoon Yagi triggered extensive flooding and landslides in northern Vietnam, leading to at least 24 reported fatalities and 299 injuries as of the last government report. The storm made landfall on September 7, 2024, in the coastal cities of Haiphong and Quang Ninh with wind speeds of 90 mph, marking it as the strongest storm to hit the country in 30 years. In the aftermath, heavy rains continued to affect the region, exacerbating the risks of further flooding and additional landslides in various communities.

  • 5-2. Effects on agriculture and natural resources

  • The typhoon had a substantial effect on agriculture and natural resources in northern Vietnam. Nearly 300,000 acres of crops were reported damaged due to the storm. As infrastructure damage rendered many areas inaccessible, a comprehensive assessment of agricultural losses remains incomplete. The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported rainfall amounts between 8.2 to 17 inches in the first 24 hours post-landfall, further threatening local ecosystems and the livelihoods dependent on these agricultural resources.

  • 5-3. Ongoing risks of further flooding in affected regions

  • Authorities have cautioned about the ongoing risks of additional flooding in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. As the storm has dissipated, heavy rains continue to impact various areas, including Hanoi and its suburbs, where floodwaters have reached over three feet in low-lying regions. The national meteorological agency is monitoring the situation closely, alerting residents to prepare for potential further evacuations and to remain vigilant against the risks of flooding and landslides as conditions evolve.

6. Government Response and Recovery Efforts

  • 6-1. Emergency services and support for affected communities

  • Following the impact of Typhoon Yagi, emergency services were activated to address the immediate needs of the affected communities. Various local and national authorities undertook evacuation operations, particularly in high-risk areas such as Hanoi and Quang Ninh province, where flooding posed ongoing threats. Reports indicate that thousands of residents were evacuated from low-lying areas, ensuring the safety of those most vulnerable to the storm's aftermath.

  • 6-2. Restoration of services and infrastructure

  • Recovery efforts have focused on the restoration of essential services and infrastructure damaged by Typhoon Yagi. Key infrastructure, particularly in northern Vietnam, witnessed significant disruptions. Notably, Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport was closed but has since reopened after the storm passed. Moreover, the restoration of power supplies and telecommunications was prioritized, as disruptions were widespread across affected provinces. The recovery process includes repairing damaged roads and bridges and addressing the needs of industrial hubs affected by the storm.

  • 6-3. Challenges faced during recovery operations

  • The government faced numerous challenges during recovery operations post-Typhoon Yagi. Significant rainfall and the ongoing risk of flooding and landslides hampered relief efforts, particularly in provinces like Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Yen Bai. Reports indicated heightened concern over environmental stability, which complicated the recovery and rebuilding processes. Local authorities warned of further flooding, prompting continuous monitoring and proactive measures to manage the disaster's aftermath.

Conclusion

  • Typhoon Yagi's onslaught on northern Vietnam has been monumental, reflecting the severe consequences tied to extreme weather events. With a high death toll and persistent environmental challenges, the storm has exposed both immediate and long-term issues for the affected regions. While emergency responses have been robust, the extensive damage to infrastructure and the exacerbated risks of flooding and landslides illustrate the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and recovery frameworks. Although support from the government and international community is underway, it is essential to address the gaps in current relief measures, particularly in terms of infrastructure resilience and sustainable agricultural practices, to better withstand future events. As climate patterns shift, continued vigilance, investment in robust infrastructure, and adaptive strategies will be vital in safeguarding vulnerable regions against escalating natural disasters.

Glossary

  • Typhoon Yagi [Natural Disaster]: Typhoon Yagi was the most powerful storm to hit Asia in 2024, affecting multiple regions including Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. Its landfall in northern Vietnam resulted in widespread destruction, significant fatalities, and ongoing risks of natural disasters such as flooding and landslides. The typhoon's impact underscores the challenges posed by extreme weather events amid changing climate conditions.

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