Death toll from Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam rises to 143; 58 still missing

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in northern Vietnam as devastating floods swept through the region following Typhoon Yagi. The storm, which struck with winds exceeding 149 km/h, has led to at least 143 deaths and widespread destruction across several provinces.

People use ropes to remove fallen trees following the impact of Typhoon Yagi, Hai Phong, VietnamReuters

More than 59,000 residents were evacuated in Yen Bai province, where nearly 18,000 homes were engulfed by floodwaters. In Hanoi, flood levels reached heights not seen since 2008, prompting authorities to issue warnings about more severe flooding in the city's historic center.

Floodwaters in the northern regions caused significant damage to infrastructure. A major bridge in Phu Tho province collapsed, with eight people still missing, while authorities have halted traffic on key bridges in Hanoi due to rising water levels. Thousands of trees have been uprooted, causing traffic disruptions, and over 210,000 hectares of crops were destroyed.

Local resident Phan Thi Tuyet, 50, carries her dogs as she is evacuated on a boat through a flooded street in Hanoi AFP

Phan Thi Tuyet, 50, who lives near the swollen and fast-moving Red River, said she had never experienced such high water. She told AFP, clutching her two dogs as she was evacuated by boat along with other residents whose homes were flooded.

"I have lost everything, all gone"

The north, a crucial manufacturing hub for global companies such as Samsung and LG, has been severely impacted, with factories suspending operations due to power outages and damage. Typhoon Yagi’s impact is seen as a clear sign of climate change, with storms in the region intensifying and causing unprecedented destruction.

A factory belonging to LG Electronics collapsed following the impact of Typhoon YagiReuters

Rescue efforts continue as authorities struggle to reach affected areas, with many residents awaiting aid after losing their homes and livelihoods.