Typhoon Yagi Devastates Vietnam: UK Support and Global Aid Urgently Needed
The devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam has captured international concern as the death toll climbed to 233 on Friday, with rescue workers continuing to recover bodies from areas ravaged by landslides and flash floods. The storm, one of the strongest to hit Southeast Asia in decades, has particularly impacted Vietnam’s northern provinces, where heavy rains have caused widespread destruction. The UK, alongside other international partners, is closely monitoring the situation, underscoring the urgent need for global humanitarian efforts.
Floodwaters from the Red River in Hanoi are beginning to recede, but significant areas of the city remain underwater. Experts have warned that it could take days before the situation stabilises, especially in the more remote, mountainous regions of northern Vietnam. The typhoon made landfall last Saturday, unleashing a week of torrential rain that has triggered severe flash floods and landslides, particularly in provinces like Lao Cai and Cao Bang.
In Lao Cai, the hamlet of Lang Nu was almost entirely swept away by a flash flood on Tuesday, leaving a tragic toll. While eight villagers who had evacuated early were found safe, 48 bodies have since been recovered, and 39 people remain missing. Efforts to reach the isolated hamlet have been hampered by badly damaged roads, limiting access to heavy rescue equipment. Around 500 rescue personnel, equipped with sniffer dogs, are on-site, but the terrain poses significant challenges. During a visit, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh pledged relentless efforts to find those still missing, stressing the agonising wait faced by families.
The disaster has also hit the northern province of Cao Bang, where a landslide on Monday pushed vehicles into a swollen river, resulting in 21 fatalities and leaving ten others unaccounted for. Recovery operations continue under challenging conditions as rain persists, raising concerns of further landslides and flash floods.
The international community has stepped up to support Vietnam in this dire time. Australia has committed $2 million in humanitarian aid, while South Korea has pledged a similar amount. The United States has also announced $1 million in aid through USAID, which is actively coordinating with local authorities to ensure prompt assistance reaches those most in need. Experts warn that storms like Typhoon Yagi are becoming increasingly severe due to climate change, as warmer ocean waters fuel higher winds and heavier rainfall. This disaster highlights the urgent need for coordinated global action to address the climate crisis.
The typhoon’s impact extends beyond human tragedy, disrupting key economic activities in northern Vietnam. Major factories in Haiphong, including those of electric vehicle maker VinFast and Apple parts suppliers, have suffered damages that threaten to disrupt international supply chains. The Centre for Strategic and International Studies noted that while most businesses in Haiphong aimed to resume operations by September 10, repair efforts are likely to affect output for weeks, if not months.
Discover how climate change is fueling powerful storms like Typhoon Yagi by diving into the latest research from the World Meteorological Organisation. As these extreme weather events continue to shape our world, stay ahead of the story with EyeOnLondon, where we bring you the latest updates and in-depth coverage on the impact of this unfolding crisis.
