Typhoon Yagi slams Vietnam, causing widespread devastation with floods and landslides that have claimed dozens of lives
1 week ago
Typhoon Yagi slams Vietnam, causing widespread devastation with floods and landslides that have claimed dozens of lives
Summary:
• Vietnam's death toll rises to 49 due to Typhoon Yagi, with 22 still missing.
• Infrastructure damage includes a collapsed bridge, with continued risks of floods and landslides.
• Factories hit hard, including LG Electronics, where walls collapsed.
HANOI/HAIPHONG, Sept 9 (Reuters) – Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia this year, has left a trail of destruction across northern Vietnam, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and manufacturing hubs. According to initial government reports, 49 people have lost their lives, primarily due to landslides and floods triggered by the storm, while 22 remain missing.
The typhoon made landfall on Vietnam's northeastern coast on Saturday, impacting major industrial areas home to both local and foreign companies. Though downgraded to a tropical depression by Sunday, authorities warned that further floods and landslides remain likely.
Yagi has caused extensive disruptions, cutting off power to millions of homes and businesses, flooding highways, and damaging telecommunications networks. The storm also downed a mid-sized bridge and felled thousands of trees, bringing economic activity to a standstill in many of Vietnam's key industrial zones.
In Haiphong, a city of two million, factories have been severely impacted. Metal roofs were torn off buildings, leaving equipment exposed as more rain looms. "Everyone is scrambling to secure sites and protect inventory," said Bruno Jaspaert, head of DEEP C industrial zones, which hosts over 150 investors in Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces. The LG Electronics factory in Haiphong suffered wall collapses, though the company confirmed no casualties. However, a warehouse storing refrigerators and washing machines was flooded.
South Korean factories in coastal areas have also reported significant damage. "There’s extensive destruction," noted Hong Sun, chairman of the South Korean business association in Vietnam.
On Monday, a key bridge in Phu Tho province collapsed, with initial reports indicating eight vehicles were on the bridge at the time. Authorities have yet to confirm casualties.
The weather agency predicts more heavy rain and strong winds, with Hanoi, home to 8.5 million people, expected to face severe weather conditions. State-run power provider EVN reported that 5.7 million customers lost power over the weekend, though 75% had their electricity restored by Monday. Ongoing power outages in Hai Phong City have disrupted work and delayed goods deliveries due to communication issues.
Source: Reuters