Vietnam: Disruptions due to Typhoon Yagi ongoing across northern regions as of Sept. 9

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of northern Vietnam as of Sept. 9 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. 9 and further adverse weather is forecast through at least Sept. 11.

As of Sept. 9, authorities have reported at least 64 storm-related fatalities; at least 229 others have been injured and around 22 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. Landslide warnings remain in place for 17 provinces across northern Vietnam as of Sept. 9. At least thirteen people are missing after the Phong Chau Bridge in Phu Tho Province collapsed into the Red River. Authorities evacuated around 50,000 people from coastal areas ahead of the storm's approach and around 2,400 families were evacuated from low-lying areas of Yen Bai Province Sept. 9 due to rising water levels. More than 8,000 homes have been damaged across affected areas and widespread power and communication outages have been reported across Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, and Hanoi provinces; more than 1.5 million people remain without power as of Sept. 9. Schools remain closed in 12 northern provinces Sept. 9.

Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across northern regions through at least Sept. 11. 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.