Super Typhoon Yagi Claims Four Lives in Vietnam as it Devastates the North

Super Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia this year, has left a trail of destruction in northern Vietnam, resulting in at least four confirmed fatalities. The typhoon made landfall early Saturday morning, striking Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces with ferocious winds reaching speeds of up to 203 km/h (126 mph), according to the Indo-Pacific Tropical Cyclone Warning Center.

The powerful winds and flying debris caused significant damage to buildings and vehicles, while widespread power outages affected various parts of Hanoi, the nation’s capital. In Quang Ninh province, three people were reported dead, and another fatality occurred in Hai Duong, near Hanoi. The storm has also left approximately 78 people injured across the region, and a dozen fishermen are missing at sea.

The impact of Yagi was not confined to Vietnam alone; the storm also claimed three lives in China, with nearly 100 people injured. In Vietnam, Hai Phong, a coastal city with a population of two million, bore the brunt of the typhoon. The city, which houses several multinational factories, experienced significant disruptions, including power outages and the suspension of operations at four northern airports.

In response to the storm’s imminent threat, nearly 50,000 people were evacuated from coastal areas, and authorities urged residents to remain indoors. Schools were closed across 12 northern provinces, including Hanoi, as a precautionary measure.

As of Saturday evening, Vietnam’s state meteorology agency reported that Yagi was still generating winds of up to 102 km/h (63 mph) as it moved inland. The storm’s eye was located southwest of Hanoi and was predicted to continue moving towards northern Laos by Sunday evening.