Yagi death toll in Vietnam rises to 21, cleanup efforts hastened

As of 6p.m. on September 8, Yagi and subsequent heavy rain and floods have claimed 21 lives, including six in a severe landslide in Lao Cai province and four in another landslide in nearby Hoa Binh province.

Other deaths were recorded in Quang Ninh province (5), Hai Phong city (2), Hanoi (1), Hai Duong (1), Yen Bai (1) and Lang Son (1).

Authorities have also reported three missing persons and 229 injured individuals.  

The natural disasters have damaged over 8,000 homes and affected many infrastructure facilities, including power grids and communication systems.

Five 500kV power lines, 31 220kV power lines, and 97 110kV power lines have been affected. Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, and Hanoi have experienced power outages and communication failures.

About 135,000 hectares of rice and subsidiary crops and fruit trees have been submerged and damaged, primarily in Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Ha Nam, Bac Giang, and Vinh Phuc.

More than 1,100 fish farming cages and rafts have been damaged or swept away, primarily in Quang Ninh.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 8 made field trips to Quang Ninh and Hai Phong – the two hardest hit localities - and decided to direct immediate support of approximately VND100 billion each to the two localities to help them overcome the aftermath of the typhoon.

Relevant forces of storm struck localities have fanned out to assist local residents to deal with the aftermath of the typhoon.

Hundreds of young people from Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Binh provinces in central Vietnam have volunteered to join cleanup efforts in storm hit areas.

The Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society has called on people nationwide to land a helping hand to those affected by Yagi, to help them quickly recover from the disaster and stabilize their lives.