The death toll in Vietnam from Typhoon Yagi has risen to 226, with more than 100 people still missing as the country grapples with the devastating impacts of the strongest storm to hit Asia this year. The government's disaster agency reported Thursday that the storm triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving a trail of destruction across northern Vietnam, including the capital, Hanoi.
Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Vietnam's northeastern coast last Saturday, bringing with it winds of up to 149 kph (92 mph) and torrential rains that have caused widespread flooding and landslides. As of Thursday, more than 800 people have been injured, and several districts in Hanoi remain submerged under water.
In Hanoi, the swollen Red River reached a 20-year high, prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents. Although the weather agency reported that floodwaters had begun to recede, many areas of the city were still inundated, with streets transformed into muddy waterways. In the Tay Ho district, residents waded through knee-high water, some using small boats to navigate the flooded roads. "There's a lot of heartbreak in the city, and there was a lot of concern going into the evening," said Skye Maconachie, co-CEO of the charity Blue Dragon Children's Foundation. "Many people who barely had anything have lost everything."
Further north, the situation is even more dire. In Thai Nguyen province, which is home to Samsung Electronics' largest smartphone manufacturing plant in Vietnam, residents are struggling to recover from the floods. "I never thought my house would be under water this deep," said Hoang Van Ty, a resident of Thai Nguyen. "My clothes and furniture were all under the water. Many things were floating around too, but luckily I closed the doors so nothing was washed away."
The floods have not only destroyed homes but have also disrupted daily life for many. Nguyen Van Truong, a repairman in Thai Nguyen, said his shop had been overwhelmed with customers needing repairs for their flood-damaged motorbikes. "We are a bit overwhelmed, very overwhelmed actually," Truong said. "I'm tired from the hard work, but people need transport means to smoothly get everything back to normal."
In the mountainous Lao Cai province, the search for survivors continues. A flash flood swept through the hamlet of Lang Nu on Tuesday, killing 46 people and leaving 55 others missing. Hundreds of soldiers and local officials have joined the search and rescue effort, but hopes of finding survivors are fading. "It's very difficult," said one resident. "We haven't even been able to assess the damage because the flood came so fast."
The destruction extends beyond residential areas. The typhoon has inundated more than 200,000 hectares of rice and cash crop fields across northern Vietnam, threatening the livelihoods of farmers in the region. Additionally, power supplies have been disrupted, and several factories in Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces have had their roofs blown off, halting production.
As the floodwaters slowly recede, the focus is shifting to recovery efforts. In Hanoi, residents like bakery owner Mai Anh are returning to their businesses to assess the damage. "I can't do business with the flood like this," Anh said, surveying the two feet of water that still filled her shop. "The goods in my shop are all destroyed."
The international community has responded to the crisis with offers of aid. Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States have all pledged support, with Australia's Foreign Ministry announcing $2 million in humanitarian relief, including shelters and hygiene kits. A Royal Australian Air Force transport aircraft has already delivered essential provisions.
