At least 59 people have died in Vietnam following Typhoon Yagi's devastating landfall on Saturday, which triggered catastrophic floods and landslides, prompting ongoing rescue operations in the affective regions.

Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Vietnam in decades, has led to widespread destruction and loss of life, with continued rainfall posing further risks of flooding and landslides. In addition to the casualties, the storm caused major infrastructural damage, including a collapsed bridge and disrupted local businesses, prompting the Vietnamese government to launch a $4.62 million recovery package and intensifying rescue efforts for affected communities.

Yagi made landfall with winds reaching up to 149 kph (92 mph), resulting in immediate devastation. Nine fatalities were recorded as the storm struck initially, but the true toll increased significantly as the storm weakened into a tropical depression, leading to severe flooding and landslides. At least 50 additional lives have been lost due to these secondary disasters, which have ravaged northern Vietnam.

The impact of Typhoon Yagi extends beyond loss of life. In Sa Pa town, six people, including an infant, died as a result of a landslide triggered by the heavy rainfall. As emergency teams continue to conduct search and rescue operations, recovery efforts are prioritized, especially in areas where infrastructure has been severely affected. Notably, a steel bridge over the engorged Red River collapsed due to the torrential rains, further complicating rescue operations.

The flooding in northern Vietnam has led to dangerously high water levels in several rivers. Reports indicate that some towns are inaccessible due to rising waters, making it difficult for emergency responders to reach those in need. In Haiphong, where conditions are particularly dire, dozens of businesses have been forced to halt operations due to extensive damages caused by the storm. These economic setbacks compound the challenges faced by local communities in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh undertook a visit to Haiphong to assess the damage firsthand and to expedite the government's response. During his visit, he announced a recovery package of $4.62 million aimed at supporting the affected areas in rebuilding efforts and stabilizing local economies. However, the destruction of agricultural lands, particularly rice-growing fields, poses a long-term threat to food security and livelihood in the region.

Before making landfall in Vietnam, Typhoon Yagi had already wreaked havoc in neighboring countries. It was responsible for at least 20 deaths in the Philippines and four in southern China. Such transnational impacts highlight the severe nature of the storm and underline the broader regional implications of increasing severe weather events.

The repercussions of Typhoon Yagi are being felt throughout the affected areas, and ongoing challenges remain as continued rainfall threatens to exacerbate flooding and trigger more landslides. Experts point to climate change as a contributing factor that is causing storms like Yagi to become increasingly intense. This trend raises concerns over future preparedness and response strategies in disaster management in Vietnam and the wider region.