Vietnam Death Toll Rises to 233 After Typhoon Yagi, Rescue Efforts Continue

The death toll from Typhoon Yagi, which struck Vietnam last week, has climbed to 233, The Associated Press reports, citing state media reports.

Rescue workers continue to recover bodies from areas devastated by landslides and flash floods triggered by the storm’s heavy rains.

While floodwaters from the swollen Red River in Hanoi are beginning to recede, many neighborhoods remain inundated. In the north, experts warn that relief efforts could take days due to the severity of the damage.

Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Saturday, unleashing a week of torrential downpours that have wreaked havoc across the country, particularly in the mountainous north. The storm’s aftermath has left 103 people missing and over 800 injured.

The province of Lao Cai has borne the brunt of the tragedy. A flash flood on Tuesday swept away the entire hamlet of Lang Nu, claiming the lives of 48 villagers. Eight villagers have been found safe after escaping the deluge, but 39 remain missing.

The severe damage to roads leading to Lang Nu has hampered rescue efforts, making it difficult to bring in heavy equipment. Despite these challenges, approximately 500 personnel, including sniffer dogs, are actively searching for those still missing. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who visited the area on Thursday, has vowed that the search will continue relentlessly.

In another northern province, Cao Bang, 21 bodies were recovered from a landslide that pushed a bus, a car, and several motorcycles into a flooded river. Ten people remain missing.

International Aid Pours In

The international community has responded to the disaster, with Australia announcing $2 million in humanitarian aid, including the delivery of supplies. South Korea has also pledged $2 million in assistance. The U.S. Embassy announced a $1 million contribution through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Climate Change and Supply Chain Impacts

Experts attribute the severity of Typhoon Yagi, the strongest to hit Vietnam in decades, to climate change. Warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel storms, resulting in stronger winds and heavier rainfall.

The typhoon and subsequent flooding have caused damage to factories in northern provinces like Haiphong, home to electric car company VinFast, Apple parts suppliers, and other electronics manufacturers. This damage could disrupt international supply chains, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.