11-9-2024 (HANOI) The aftermath of Typhoon Yagi continues to wreak havoc across Vietnam, with the death toll soaring to 141, according to a grim update from the government on Wednesday. As the nation reels from the catastrophic impact of the storm, authorities now face a new threat as floodwaters cause a rapid and potentially dangerous rise in the Red River, putting Hanoi’s downtown districts at risk of inundation.
The disaster management agency reports that the typhoon’s heavy rains have triggered a series of deadly landslides and widespread flooding throughout northern Vietnam. In addition to the mounting death toll, 59 individuals remain unaccounted for, amplifying the scale of the tragedy. The destruction extends beyond human casualties, with severe property damage and significant disruptions to business and industry reported across the affected regions.
Late Tuesday, state media outlets sounded the alarm on the escalating water levels of the Red River in Hanoi. The river’s water level has been rising at an alarming rate of 10 centimetres per hour, heightening concerns among local authorities and residents alike.
In response to the looming flood threat, some schools in Hanoi have taken the precautionary measure of instructing students to remain at home for the remainder of the week. Meanwhile, a mass evacuation effort is underway, with thousands of residents from low-lying areas being relocated to safer ground. These actions, corroborated by various sources including government officials and state media, underscore the gravity of the situation.
