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Sep 08, 2024 / 07:02

Super typhoon Yagi weakens to tropical depression: Heavy rain, flooding, landslides expected

With potential flooding and landslides, affected localities are asked to report emergency damage assessment and recovery efforts.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has urged a high level of focus on restoring the power grid, communication systems, and transportation networks. 

 Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha urges damage assessment and recovery efforts at the meeting on late September 7. Photo: Minh Khoi/VGP

After making landfall in northern Vietnam on the evening of September 7, super typhoon Yagi, or Storm No. 3 has been downgraded to a tropical depression.

By 1 a.m. on September 8, the center of the tropical depression was situated at about 21.0 degrees North latitude and 105.2 degrees East longitude, over northern Vietnam. Winds near the center are now at levels 6-7 (39-61 km/h), with gusts reaching level 9, moving westward at 10-15 km/h. 

 Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha chairs a government meeting of the Front Command Center against super typhoon Yagi. Photo: Minh Khoi/VGP

Emergency damage assessment and recovery efforts

At 10 p.m. on September 7, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha led the fourth emergency meeting of the Storm No. 3 Front Command Center to focus on damage assessments and directed recovery efforts in affected regions.

He asked the provinces of Quang Ninh, Haiphong, Nam Dinh, and Thai Binh to assess the damage promptly and work closely with rescue teams to assist stranded boats and missing persons.

Local authorities are required to mobilize resources to clear debris, evaluate damage, and support residents in resuming their daily lives.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has directed power companies to assess damage, restore the power grid as soon as possible, and ensure electricity supply to key industries and industrial areas.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Information and Communications have instructed telecommunications companies to quickly restore communication services.

Damages

The remnants of Typhoon No. 3 have caused heavy rain in the northern provinces and Thanh Hoa. The northwestern region is expected to receive 200-250 mm of rain, which is higher than initially forecasted, increasing the risk of landslides significantly in the provinces of Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, and Lai Chau.

The northern lowlands will experience heavy rain leading to widespread flooding and waterlogging.

Preliminary damage reports indicate 4 fatalities in Quang Ninh and Hai Duong and 78 injuries in Quang Ninh and Haiphong.

The provinces and cities of Quang Ninh, Haiphong, Thai Binh, and Hai Duong are experiencing widespread power outages.

Many homes have been damaged and roofs have been blown off, with thousands of trees downed in the provinces and cities of Quang Ninh, Haiphong, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, Hanoi, and Bac Ninh.

Forecasts for the morning of September 8 predict heavy rainfall in the northeastern region and Thanh Hoa Province, with widespread rain ranging from 80-180 mm and some areas exceeding 350 mm. The northwestern region may see rainfall from 100-350 mm, with local areas receiving over 500 mm.

Local authorities are advised to monitor flood and landslide risk alerts regularly on the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting website: https://luquetsatlo.nchmf.gov.vn, and in specific flood and landslide warnings. 

 Workers battle with falling trees in Hanoi. Photo: Thuy Hong/The Hanoi Times

This morning, strong winds in Hanoi have decreased to levels 4-5, and rainfall has significantly reduced. The typhoon has now weakened into a tropical depression.

Today in Hanoi, the weather is predominantly cloudy with periods of rain, moderate showers, and thunderstorms.

Initial reports from Hanoi indicate that Storm No. 3 has caused 3 deaths and 8 injuries; 19 houses and kiosks have lost their roofs; 7 cars are damaged; thousands of trees have fallen; and 1,700 hectares of rice fields are flooded.

The ongoing rainfall is likely to result in flooding in many urban areas, with water levels typically reaching 20-40 cm. Traffic will be affected on flooded streets, causing difficulties for vehicles.

To mitigate flooding in low-lying areas, urban zones, and industrial parks, Hanoi has activated 9 drainage stations equipped with 32 pumps, providing a total drainage capacity of approximately 79,300 m³/h.

Emergency services in Hanoi are ensuring continuity of production and preparing for the typhoon’s aftermath. The Hanoi Water Company has prepared hundreds of 20-liter water bottles to support areas isolated by flooding.

Efforts are ongoing this morning to clear fallen trees and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Thu Hoai has asked different agencies and localities to mobilize resources to solve the storm’s consequences and soon return life to normalcy.