Yagi weakens into tropical depression, death toll rises to 14 in northern Vietnam

At 4 a.m. on September 8, the tropical depression was sweeping across Son La province in the north-western region, with winds gusting 39-49 kmh.

In the coming hours, the tropical depression will continue moving west-northwest, passing through Son La and Dien Bien before entering Laos. It will continue to weaken into a low pressure area and gradually dissipate.

After making landfall in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh, Yagi also caused significant damage as it swept across Hai Duong province and Hanoi capital.

There were numerous casualties and substantial property damage. Hundreds of trees were uprooted and brought down across streets. Glass windows of many apartments were shattered by strong winds.

According to preliminary statistics, Yagi, considered the strongest storm in the past 30 years, has left 14 dead across northern localities, including four in Hoa Binh, four in Quang Ninh province, two in Hai Phong, one each in Hai Duong province, Yen Bai province, Lang Son province and Hanoi capital.

As for property damage, the areas directly hit by Yagi have been left in ruins, and the extent of the damage has yet to be fully assessed.

Though Yagi is weakening into a tropical depression, it will continue to bring heavy rain to north-western localities.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting emphasized the danger posed by the wide circulation of Yagi, which has encompassed both the northern and north-central regions of Vietnam.

There is a very high risk of flash floods and landslides in the northern mountainous provinces, particularly in Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Yen Bai, Lai Chau, Son La, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa, he warned.

Currently, relevant forces have fanned out to assist residents with a post-storm cleanup campaign.