BTN News: Typhoon Yagi, one of the most powerful storms to hit Southeast Asia in the past decade, has wreaked havoc across Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. As of September 2024, the devastating cyclone has claimed the lives of at least four people in Vietnam and three in China, with thousands more affected by severe injuries, flooding, and displacement. After making landfall in northern Vietnam, Yagi brought ferocious winds of up to 149 kilometers per hour, causing widespread damage in coastal provinces, power outages, and disrupting daily life. Meanwhile, regions in China and the Philippines have also faced Yagi’s destructive force, leading to emergency evacuations and loss of life. With the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms due to climate change, Typhoon Yagi stands as a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events in the region.
Typhoon Yagi Strikes Vietnam: Destruction in Quang Ninh and Haiphong
On Saturday afternoon, Typhoon Yagi made landfall in the northern regions of Vietnam, particularly striking the coastal provinces of Quang Ninh and Haiphong. The storm hit with winds reaching speeds of up to 149 km/h (92 mph), uprooting trees, knocking down power lines, and causing severe damage to infrastructure. In Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, a woman lost her life when a tree, already weakened by the storm’s powerful winds, collapsed. Authorities reported 78 injuries and numerous instances of property damage throughout the northern provinces.
Mass Cancellations and Power Outages
Ahead of Yagi’s arrival, local authorities had preemptively canceled hundreds of cruises in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic limestone islands. Additionally, power outages affected large areas of Quang Ninh and Thai Binh provinces, leaving thousands without electricity for hours. Factories in Haiphong, including major facilities operated by VinFast and Pegatron, were forced to suspend operations due to safety concerns.
China’s Coastal Regions Reel from Yagi’s Impact
Before hitting Vietnam, Typhoon Yagi battered the Chinese province of Hainan on Friday afternoon with near-super typhoon strength, packing winds of up to 245 km/h (152 mph). The storm left three people dead and at least 95 injured, impacting over 1.2 million residents by midday Saturday. Over 420,000 people had been relocated from vulnerable areas in Hainan, while another 500,000 were evacuated from Guangdong province before Yagi made its second landfall in Xuwen County.
Massive Evacuations and Emergency Response
In response to the approaching typhoon, authorities in China launched massive evacuation operations, moving hundreds of thousands of people to safety. The city of Haikou downgraded its typhoon alert from red to orange as Yagi moved away, but recovery efforts continue with local emergency services clearing debris and restoring power to affected areas.
Philippines Endures Yagi’s Wrath: Lives Lost and Communities Displaced
Earlier, Typhoon Yagi swept through the northwest Philippines, leaving at least 20 dead and 26 missing, primarily due to widespread landslides and flooding. The storm affected more than 2.3 million people across various provinces in the northern and central regions of the archipelago. In Manila, the capital, and other densely populated areas, more than 82,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes, with schools, workplaces, and transportation services—including inter-island ferries—suspended for days.
Wider Implications of Yagi: Extreme Weather Events on the Rise
As Typhoon Yagi continues to affect Southeast Asia, its impact underscores the broader challenges posed by climate change. According to a United Nations report, the rising temperature of ocean waters is a key factor in generating more powerful storms like Yagi. These extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent and intense, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, where vulnerable coastal communities often bear the brunt of nature’s fury.
Hong Kong and Beyond: Disruptions and Cancellations Due to Typhoon Yagi
Hong Kong was not spared from Yagi’s reach. On Friday, over 270 residents sought refuge in temporary government shelters, and more than 100 flights were canceled due to the storm. Torrential rains and strong winds felled dozens of trees, causing widespread disruptions to the city’s financial markets, services, and schools.
Preparations and Precautions: Governments Brace for Yagi’s Onslaught
Governments across the affected regions took various measures to prepare for the impact of Typhoon Yagi. In Vietnam, several airports—including those in Hanoi and Haiphong—were closed, and thousands of people in flood-prone or landslide-prone areas were evacuated. Officials also pruned trees in urban areas to reduce the risk of them falling, yet the storm’s intensity still caused considerable damage.
Conclusion: The Path Forward After Typhoon Yagi
As rescue and recovery efforts continue across Southeast Asia, Typhoon Yagi serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by coastal communities in the face of climate change. The storm’s widespread impact—from the Philippines to China to Vietnam—demonstrates the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and international cooperation to mitigate the growing threat of extreme weather events.
