At least 12 dead and widespread damage as Typhoon Bualoi hits northern, central Vietnam

THE HANOI TIMES — Typhoon Bualoi causes severe damage across northern and north-central provinces, kills at least 12 people and 33 injured, according to Directorate of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

The dead victims are reported in Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Hue and Danang after hitting Vietnam's central coast today.

Currently, 17 fishermen remain missing from the previous day after huge waves hit two fishing boats off Quang Tri Province, while another fishing boat lost contact during the storm.

The typhoon made landfall in the central province of Ha Tinh with strong winds and heavy rains.

Nearly 4,800 houses and structures were unroofed or damaged, mostly in coastal areas. Roads were blocked by fallen trees, roofs torn away, and traffic disrupted. Local authorities have mobilized all available resources to deal with the aftermath.

In the central province of Quang Tri, search and rescue operations are underway for nine missing fishermen after two boats sank in the Gianh River late on September 28. Seventeen crew members remain missing amid rough seas.

In north-central province of Thanh Hoa, prolonged downpours submerged many streets in Hac Thanh Ward, paralyzing traffic and daily activities.

In northern province of Lao Cai, torrential rains and thunderstorms damaged nearly 250 homes, while 190 ha of crops were destroyed. Landslides along provincial road 162 involved some 30,000 cubic meter of debris, with more erosion reported on other routes.

The storm also damaged public infrastructure: schools and cultural houses lost roofs, six power poles collapsed, nearly 100 trees were uprooted, and several vehicles were struck by falling trees. Initial losses are estimated at VND5 billion (US$200,000).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued an official dispatch, urging ministries, sectors and local authorities to ramp up recovery efforts following Typhoon Bualoi.

The ministries of National Defense and Public Security and competent sectors must arrange forces to provide timely support for localities’ search, rescue and recovery efforts.

The government leader extended his condolences to the families of the victims and asked local leaders to focus on search and rescue efforts as well as aftermath recovery.