9-9-2024 (HANOI) The devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi has left the healthcare system in Vietnam’s northern Quang Ninh province in disarray, with numerous hospitals suffering extensive damage and critical infrastructure failures. The storm’s aftermath has created a dire situation for medical facilities, leaving them without power and rapidly depleting water reserves.
Nguyen Trong Dien, director of the Quang Ninh Department of Health, revealed, “The storm has caused serious damage,” Dien stated, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action. “Medical facilities are still without power, relying mainly on generators. However, fuel reserves to maintain these generators are quickly running out, and water supplies are similarly limited.”
The Department of Health has mobilised support teams to assist affected medical facilities, with Dien expressing hope for a swift recovery. “We are organising delegations to provide support to medical facilities. We hope to overcome the storm’s damage soon,” he added.
The destruction wrought by Typhoon Yagi has been particularly severe, with widespread damage to infrastructure reported across the province. Fallen trees, blown-off roofs, and devastated auxiliary areas such as garages, fences, and water tanks have left many hospitals struggling to maintain basic services.
The Provincial Mental Health Hospital has been hit especially hard, with large trees uprooted and causing damage to surrounding walls, roofs, and power lines. Over 340 inpatients and staff are now facing significant challenges as the facility grapples with flooded patient rooms and paralysed electricity and water systems.
Quang Ninh Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital has not been spared, with crucial equipment damaged and entire sections left exposed to the elements. The intensive care unit’s roof was completely blown away, leaving only bare walls. The storm’s fury also shattered windows in the testing area, potentially compromising sensitive medical equipment due to moisture exposure.
At the Geriatric – Rehabilitation Hospital, the situation became so perilous that doctors were forced to evacuate patients to safer locations due to broken ceiling glass and compromised roofing.
The human cost of the storm has been significant, with hospitals in Quang Ninh province treating 357 storm-related casualties as of 8 September, including three fatalities. Among the injured, 18 cases involved severe multiple injuries, six suffered traumatic brain injuries, and 19 sustained broken bones. Over 300 other patients were treated for various soft tissue injuries.
Despite the challenging conditions, emergency services have continued to operate, with the emergency transport centre successfully responding to 11 cases and coordinating six trips for medical units across the sector.
