Typhoon Yagi causes 329 dead, missing in Vietnam

Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful typhoon hitting Vietnam in three decades, ravaged 26 northern provinces and cities, including Hanoi, leaving 329 people dead and missing, statistics by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) showed. 

The relief at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi on the evening of September 11. Photo: Embassy of Australia in Hanoi

The typhoon caused damage worth VND40 trillion (US$1.6 billion) as estimated by the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Specifically, an estimated 141,469 homes, 550 health facilities, and 805 schools have been damaged, with around 400,000 households lacking access to safe water. Additionally, nearly two million children have lost access to education and school feeding programs.

According to the MARD, as of September 17, the casualties in localities included Lao Cai with 150 dead and missing while Yen Bai suffered 54, Phu Tho 11, Hoa Binh 7, Thai Nguyen 4, and Hanoi 1, among others. 

In the agriculture sector, 200,248 hectares of rice fields and 50,612 hectares of crops were flooded and damaged, 61,089 hectares of fruit trees were affected; 3,269 fish farming cages were damaged or washed away; 26,584 livestock and 2,950,425 poultry were killed or swept away by floods.

Flooding also caused 726 incidents related to dike systems, of which 397 occurred on dikes of level 3 or higher, and 329 on dikes below level 3.

Regarding railways and inland waterways, northern railway lines have been restored, and most inland waterway operations have returned to normal. However, certain road sections are still affected by landslides. Authorities are redirecting and guiding traffic in landslide and hazardous areas and mobilizing equipment to clear the roads as quickly as possible. 

Soldiers approach flooding areas in Thai Nguyen City during Typhoon Yagi. Photo: VGP

International leaders continue sharing with Vietnam for adversities

Shortly after the typhoon swept away the north on September 7, international friends shared condolences and extended their support to the country. The first batch of relief came from Australia.

The world’s leaders continue to send letters, telegrams, and messages to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

At the same time, various countries and international organizations have promptly provided direct and indirect assistance in manpower and resources to help Vietnam recover from the disaster as soon as possible.

French President Emmanuel Macron said: "I express France's solidarity with Vietnam following the devastating passage of Typhoon Yagi, which caused hundreds of deaths and considerable damage. We are ready to provide our support."

Acting Head of State of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and National Assembly President Khuon Sudary sent their deep condolences to the State and people of Vietnam, especially to the families of those affected. Cambodia expressed confidence that Vietnam will resiliently overcome this difficult time.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and affirmed solidarity with the people of Vietnam. India stands ready to support and assist Vietnam to help the affected regions recover and stabilize quickly.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon conveyed his sympathy and solidarity with the people of Vietnam, offering $1 million in support to help the country overcome the aftermath of the storm and swiftly restore normal life.

Pope Francis, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko, and President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan also sent letters and messages of sympathy, expressing their condolences for the losses Vietnam endured due to the typhoon.

On this occasion, Foreign Ministers from Cambodia, the United States, New Zealand, Egypt, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, and Seychelles sent messages of condolence to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son. 

Indian and Vietnamese representatives on the day when Indian relief arrived at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi on September 15. Photo: Embassy of India in Hanoi

Founder and Chairman of India’s Adani Group Gautam Adani has decided to contribute US$1 million to help Vietnam overcome the devastating consequences of typhoon Yagi.

In his letter addressed to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, on behalf of Adani Group, Gautam Adani sincerely extended his deepest condolences to all Vietnamese people, especially those who are facing severe consequences caused by typhoon Yagi and floods. “We are extremely saddened to witness the huge loss of lives and properties due to the devastation of the typhoon as well as the difficulties many parts of northern Vietnam suffering”, he wrote.

For generations, the country and people of Vietnam have always shown extraordinary strength and incredible determination in overcoming adversity. And in especially difficult times, it is extremely important to strengthen solidarity towards the people affected by the typhoon, he shared. “We always stand ready to accompany and stand side by side with Vietnamese people to overcome this unprecedented historical natural disaster.”

The foreign ministries and embassies of these nations also shared their sympathy on their websites and social media pages, expressing solidarity with the Vietnamese people affected by the storm.

In addition to letters and messages of condolence, many countries and international organizations provided timely financial support, essential equipment, supplies, and experts. As of September 16, more than 20 countries and international organizations had committed or planned to provide assistance totaling more than $22 million, along with many resources for shelter, clean water, and sanitation to aid Vietnam in its recovery from the disaster.

At the same time, overseas Vietnamese in many countries have actively organized fundraising efforts, collecting around VND20 ($810,000) to support the residents affected by the storm, helping them recover and stabilize their lives. It is expected that contributions from overseas Vietnamese will continue to increase in the coming days.

As of September 16, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has mobilized and received commitments of support from 10 embassies and 16 international organizations, pledging 160 tons of goods to be delivered by air.

The goods arriving at Noi Bai International Airport have already been and will continue to be, directly sent to the provinces of Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, and Lạng Sơn to be promptly distributed to the affected people.