Typhoon Yagi has wreaked havoc in Vietnam, claiming nearly 200 lives, leaving over 125 missing, and causing widespread flooding and infrastructure damage, prompting mass evacuations in affected areas.

The devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Vietnam in decades, has led to nearly 200 deaths and 125 people unaccounted for, with severe flooding leaving entire communities, such as Lang Nu, submerged. This catastrophe is exacerbated by infrastructure damage, including collapsed bridges, and has triggered mass evacuations along the Red River, raising concerns about potential further flooding due to water releases from nearby Chinese hydropower plants.

Typhoon Yagi, which struck with winds reaching up to 149 kilometers per hour (92 miles per hour), made landfall earlier this week, unleashing torrential rains and causing catastrophic flash floods. One of the hardest-hit areas was the hamlet of Lang Nu, where a sudden deluge resulted in 42 confirmed fatalities. The rapid onset of flooding has made recovery efforts particularly challenging.

As the storm moved inland, it brought significant damage to northern Vietnam, including the collapse of a bridge and heavy rains causing landslides. Initial government reports confirmed that the total number of reported missing individuals stands at 145. Rescue operations are ongoing, but searches are hindered by hazardous conditions.

In Hanoi, the capital city, swollen rivers have surged to their highest levels in 20 years, leading to significant flooding throughout the region. Authorities have warned residents in low-lying areas to evacuate as the danger of flooding escalates. Schools in the city were ordered to close for the rest of the week to ensure the safety of students amid ongoing flooding concerns.

The disaster has resulted in over 800 injuries, according to provincial health departments, and the state-run electricity utility, EVN, has cut off power in several flooded districts to prevent accidents. The economic impact of Typhoon Yagi is also pronounced, with factories in key industrial zones reporting serious operational disruptions due to the floods, thereby threatening global supply chains reliant on these facilities.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the management of water from Chinese hydropower plants, which has the potential to exacerbate flooding in the Red River tributaries. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, as the release of water from these facilities could significantly increase the levels of rivers already swollen from the typhoon's heavy rainfall.

The Vietnamese government is coordinating with local and international agencies to provide aid and assistance to affected communities. Evacuations have been mandated for thousands of residents near the Red River as authorities work to ensure their safety amidst the ongoing crisis. The situation remains fluid, and recovery efforts will likely continue for weeks as the full scale of the disaster becomes clearer.

In summary, the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi is unfolding as emergency responders grapple with the challenges of rescue operations, infrastructure repair, and ensuring public safety. The focus remains on coordinating immediate relief efforts and mitigating further risks associated with the floods.