Attachments
DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT
Typhoon Yagi made its initial landfall on 2 September 2024, in the vicinity of Casiguran, Aurora, in the Philippines as a tropical depression. It intensified into a super typhoon, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, by 5 September 2024 and made a second landfall on 6 September 2024 over Hainan, China, before continuing on its path toward the northern region of Viet Nam.
On 7 September 2024, Typhoon Yagi made landfall in Viet Nam, striking Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city, bringing torrential rain and winds exceeding 200 km/h. The typhoon dissipated on 8 September 2024, leaving behind severe flooding and landslides, exacerbated by large upstream floods and prolonged downpours, particularly in the northern mountainous provinces and urban areas such as Ha Noi.
Typhoon Yagi was recorded as the strongest typhoon Viet Nam has experienced in the past 30 years. It affected the entire northern region, home to a population of 19 million. Among the 12 most damaged provinces, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, and Yen Bai have declared a state of emergency. As of 18 September 2024, the typhoon resulted in 299 deaths, 34 missing persons, 1,932 injuries, the evacuation of over 130,000 people, and initial damage amounting to VND 60,700 billion (approximately CHF 1.8 billion), as reported by the Viet Nam Disaster and Dike Management Authority (VNDDMA).
The typhoon left a trail of devastation, affecting public and private properties, including offices, schools, and buildings, many of which suffered roof damage, while large areas experienced disruptions to telecommunications and power.
Severity of humanitarian conditions
1. Impact on accessibility, availability, quality, use, and awareness of goods and services.
As of 18 September 2024, the damages reported by relevant government agencies are as follows:
- 237,000 houses damaged.
- More than 250,000 hectares of rice, crops, and fruit trees destroyed.
- Approximately two million poultry, 10,000 livestock, and 2,250 aquaculture cages were lost.
- Transportation, communication, market, and water supply facilities were severely affected by the flooding and landslides due to the typhoon.
With the rice and crop harvest season in northern Viet Nam taking place from September to November, Typhoon Yagi’s impact on food security is expected to be significant. Communities in the northern region, which depend heavily on agricultural products such as rice, maize, and cassava for their livelihoods, are likely to face food shortages from December 2024 to May 2025. The recovery may be delayed until the next planting and harvest season.
According to the initial data and assessment report from the Viet Nam Red Cross Society (VNRC) on 23 September 2024, access to roads and markets is gradually returning to normal. While essential supplies like food are available, shortages of key staples such as rice and corn are anticipated in the coming months.
2. Impact on physical and mental well-being
The physical and psychological impact of flooding and landslides caused by typhoons on individuals, communities, and authorities is profound. Mental health coverage is limited, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian organisations to address the specific needs and psychosocial gaps in the response effort.
3. Risks and vulnerabilities
Viet Nam remains highly vulnerable to recurring floods and landslides due to its exposure to monsoon rains and tropical cyclones. The risk of landslides and flash floods persist in the mountainous provinces in the northern part of Viet Nam, which may delay the needs assessments while creating challenges for relief activities.
Northern Viet Nam is a mountainous region, where access to essential services and markets can be challenging. Additionally, ethnic minority groups in these areas are disproportionately affected by economic disparities, resulting in higher levels of poverty and limited access to education, healthcare, and financial services, further exacerbating their vulnerability to ongoing risks.