Super Typhoon Yagi Devastates Northern Vietnam

Super Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm of the year, has caused widespread destruction in northern Vietnam, resulting in at least 59 fatalities, Al Jazeera reported. The storm made landfall on Saturday, leading to the collapse of the Phong Chau bridge in Phu Tho province on Monday, which plunged ten cars and two scooters into the Red River. Rescue efforts are ongoing for 13 missing individuals, with three people already rescued.

Yagi has injured over 240 people and disrupted power and telecommunications, particularly in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. Torrential rains have caused landslides and floods, with rainfall reaching up to 433mm (17 inches) in some areas.

Among the victims are families buried in landslides, including a newborn. Nearly 50,000 people were evacuated from coastal towns, and schools were closed across 12 northern provinces.

Damage assessments indicate nearly 3,300 houses affected and over 120,000 hectares of crops destroyed. Before hitting Vietnam, Yagi had already claimed 24 lives in southern China and the Philippines.