Vietnam has been struck by its most powerful storm in 30 years, Super Typhoon Yagi, which has wreaked havoc across the northern regions, claiming over 60 lives since making landfall on Saturday. The typhoon’s devastating impact was most notably felt when the Phong Chau Bridge in Phu Tho province collapsed, plunging multiple vehicles into the Red River below. Dashcam footage captured the horrifying moment when the bridge gave way, sending cars and motorcycles into the rushing waters. Emergency services are currently searching for 13 missing individuals.
The Destructive Force of Typhoon Yagi
Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Asia this year, brought wind speeds of up to 203 km/h (126 mph), leaving a trail of devastation across northern Vietnam. With torrential rains and powerful winds, the storm has left 1.5 million people without power and has caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and factories.
Bridge Collapse and Rescue Efforts The collapse of the 375-meter (1,230-foot) Phong Chau Bridge was one of the most tragic incidents during the storm. The bridge, a vital connection in the region, was unable to withstand the force of the typhoon. Ten cars and two scooters plunged into the Red River as the bridge decking crumbled. Footage from the scene showed a lorry tumbling into the water, the driver unable to halt before the road disappeared beneath him. So far, three people have been rescued from the river, and rescue operations continue, though hopes of finding the 13 missing individuals are dwindling.
Survivors’ Accounts Among those rescued was Nguyen Minh Hai, a motorcycle rider who fell from the bridge. Speaking from the hospital, Hai described the moment of terror as he plummeted into the water. “I was so scared when I fell down. I feel like I’ve just escaped death. I can’t swim and I thought I would have died,” he said.
Authorities have since directed the military to build a pontoon bridge to replace the section of the Phong Chau Bridge that collapsed, aiming to restore critical transport routes in the region.
Death Toll and Destruction
The death toll from Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam continues to rise, with at least 44 people reported dead due to landslides and flash floods. Among the victims were a 68-year-old woman, a one-year-old boy, and a newborn baby. The severe weather has uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and inflicted widespread damage on infrastructure, leaving communities in turmoil.
In Hai Phong, an industrial hub in northern Vietnam, an LG Electronics factory was severely damaged, with walls collapsing under the intense pressure of the storm. Photos and footage from the scene highlight the extensive destruction to both residential and industrial areas.
Evacuations and Continued Threats With the storm now weakened into a tropical depression, authorities continue to warn of potential further disruptions as Yagi moves westward. Nearly 50,000 people have been evacuated from coastal towns, while 2,400 families in Yen Bai province have been relocated due to rising floodwaters. Schools in 12 northern provinces, including Hanoi, have been temporarily closed to safeguard students and staff.
Residents like Nguyen Thi Thom, who owns a restaurant in Ha Long Bay, are left grappling with the aftermath. “There is nothing left,” Thom said, devastated by the loss of her business and livelihood. “When I look around, people have also lost all they had, just like me. I can only try to recover from this.”
Regional Impact and Broader Climate Concerns
Before hitting Vietnam, Super Typhoon Yagi caused destruction in southern China and the Philippines, resulting in the deaths of 24 people across both regions. This storm, like many others, is a reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons, raising concerns about the role of climate change in exacerbating such weather events.
As global temperatures rise, storms like Typhoon Yagi are expected to grow stronger, bringing higher wind speeds and heavier rainfall. However, the exact influence of climate change on individual typhoons remains complex, making it difficult to attribute specific events solely to global warming.
For now, Vietnam is left to recover from the overwhelming destruction, with rescue efforts ongoing and communities banding together to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of this historic storm.
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Sources: BBC