In a devastating turn of events, Super Typhoon Yagi has wreaked havoc in northern Vietnam, triggering a landslide that has claimed the lives of 14 people. The typhoon, described as one of the most powerful to hit the region in a decade, made landfall with wind speeds exceeding 149 kilometers per hour, causing widespread destruction.
The landslide occurred in the mountainous Hoa Binh province early Sunday morning, burying a house and killing a family of four. The remaining ten victims were killed in various storm-related incidents, including being crushed by falling trees and drifting boats.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, the typhoon Yagi has left more than three million people without electricity and caused significant damage to homes, property, and agricultural land. The port city of Hai Phong experienced severe flooding, with some areas submerged under half a meter of water.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with municipal workers, army, and police forces working tirelessly to clear uprooted trees, fallen billboards, and damaged buildings. The Vietnamese meteorological department has warned of continued heavy rainfall, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides.
Before reaching the country, the storm tore through southern China and the Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 24 lives.
As the region begins the arduous task of recovery, the devastating effects of climate change are once again brought into sharp focus. Warmer ocean waters are fueling more powerful storms, leading to increased wind speeds and heavier rainfall, according to climate scientists2.
