Vietnam: Disruptions due to Typhoon Yagi ongoing across northern regions as of Sept. 12 /update 1

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of northern Vietnam as of Sept. 12 following the passing of Typhoon Yagi. The system made landfall over Quang Ninh Province the afternoon of Sept. 7, before weakening into a tropical storm and then dissipating as it moved west-northwestward over northern Vietnam through Sept. 8. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall across the region, leading to widespread storm damage, flooding, and landslides, with coastal areas near where the storm made landfall amongst the worst affected areas. Severe weather is ongoing in the region Sept. 12 and further adverse weather is forecast through at least Sept. 21.

As of Sept. 12, authorities have reported at least 179 storm-related fatalities; at least 229 others have been injured and around 145 people remain missing. A landslide in Tan Minh Commune in Da Bac District of Hoa Binh Province early Sept. 8 resulted in the death of four people when debris collapsed onto a home. Another landslide in a residential area in Sa Pa in Lao Cai Province buried 26 people and resulted in six fatalities. A landslide in the village of Lang Nu in Lao Cai Province resulted in at least 22 fatalities; another 73 people still missing. Authorities evacuated thousands of people near the Red River due to the river overflowing, while more than 59,000 people remain evacuated in Yen Bai Province. 16 provinces and cities remained at risk of landslides and flash floods. Floodwaters have started to reced in montainous areas. More than 8,000 homes have been damaged across affected areas. Parts of Hanoi are flooded; power provider Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has cut off power to the flooded parts of Hanoi as a precaution. Some schools in Hanoi are closed through at least Sept. 13.

Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across northern regions through at least Sept. 21. The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) has warned of daily rainfall totals of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) across the region over the coming days, with localized higher amounts of over 30 cm (12 inches). Further heavy downpours will likely exacerbate the ongoing flood situation and landslide threat in the region, as well as hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain in affected areas as emergency crews continue recovery efforts; utility disruptions will probably occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are possible. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect-borne and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.