A devastating flash flood in northern Vietnam has resulted in the tragic loss of 22 lives, with dozens more individuals still unaccounted for. The catastrophe occurred in Lang Nu hamlet, located in Lao Cai province, where a torrent of water cascaded down from a mountain, burying the entire hamlet under mud and debris. As of now, only a few survivors have been found, while rescue teams continue their efforts to locate approximately 70 missing individuals.
The flash flood is part of the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, which has caused a total of 141 fatalities in the region. Additionally, 69 people remain missing, and hundreds have sustained injuries. The majority of deaths have been attributed to floods and landslides, particularly in the northwestern Lao Cai province, where Lang Nu is situated.
The severe weather conditions have led to the closure of numerous roads due to landslides and heavy rainfall, disrupting travel and stranding many individuals, including tourists. Sapa, a popular trekking destination in the province, has been significantly impacted, with tour guides like Van A Po expressing fear and concern over the situation.
Nguyen Van Luong, a hotel employee, shared his experience of being unable to return home due to the dangerous road conditions caused by the inclement weather. The collapse of a bridge in Phu Tho province and the tragic incident involving a bus in Cao Bang province further highlight the destructive impact of the recent natural disasters.
Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Vietnam in decades, made landfall with winds reaching up to 149 kph. Despite weakening, the storm has continued to bring heavy rainfall, leading to high river levels and widespread damage in industrial areas. Experts like Benjamin Horton emphasize that storms like Yagi are becoming more intense due to climate change, underscoring the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation measures.
