Vietnam, Sept 10 (Alliance News): Typhoon Yagi has caused widespread devastation in northern Vietnam, resulting in at least 59 deaths and significant disruptions to businesses and factories.
The typhoon, which made landfall on Saturday, has weakened to a tropical depression but continues to bring heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding and landslides.
State media VnExpress reported that nine people died when Typhoon Yagi struck, and at least 50 more have been killed by the subsequent floods and landslides. Water levels in several northern rivers have reached dangerous levels.
A passenger bus with 20 people was swept away by a landslide in Cao Bang province, and rescue operations were hampered by additional landslides. In Phu Tho province, a steel bridge over the Red River collapsed, causing 10 cars, trucks, and two motorbikes to fall into the river. Three people were rescued, but 13 are still missing.
Businesses in Haiphong province, a key industrial hub, are struggling to recover from extensive damage. Factories have reported significant losses, with roofs destroyed, equipment damaged, and power outages affecting production.
Authorities estimate that nearly 100 enterprises have been impacted, with losses in the millions of dollars.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has announced a recovery package of $4.62 million for Haiphong city. Typhoon Yagi, with winds reaching 149 kph (92 mph), is described as one of the strongest to hit Vietnam in decades. The continuing downpours are expected to exacerbate flooding and landslides.
