The death toll in Vietnam has risen to 233 following the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall last Saturday. The typhoon brought heavy rains that triggered flash floods and landslides, particularly in the mountainous north of the country. As of now, 103 people are still missing, and over 800 individuals have been injured.
The United Nations children's agency, UNICEF, reported that the storm and its aftermath have caused significant damage to health facilities, schools, and homes. More than 3 million people are currently without access to safe drinking water. UNICEF is working with the government and other partners to provide emergency aid, including bottled water, purification tablets, and filtration systems.
One of the hardest-hit areas is the province of Lao Cai, where a flash flood wiped out the entire hamlet of Lang Nu. While some villagers managed to escape, many others have been found dead, and dozens are still missing. Rescue efforts have been hampered by damaged roads, making it challenging to bring in heavy equipment.
In Cao Bang province, 21 bodies have been recovered after a landslide pushed vehicles into a river, with 10 people still missing. International aid has started to arrive, with Australia, South Korea, and the United States pledging financial assistance to support relief efforts.
Experts attribute the increasing intensity of storms like Typhoon Yagi to climate change, as warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel these weather events. The typhoon has also impacted businesses in northern provinces, potentially affecting international supply chains.
The U.S. Embassy announced a $1 million support package through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to assist with humanitarian needs. With more heavy rain forecasted, relief efforts are ongoing to ensure assistance reaches those in need.
