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Description of the crisis
Typhoon Yagi, recorded as the strongest typhoon striking Viet Nam in the past 30 years, made landfall in Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city on 7 September 2024. The entire northern region with a population of 19 million was battered by prolonged torrential rain, causing major floods, landslides, widespread inundation, and extensive damage to people and property. In total, 26 provinces have been affected nationwide, and three provinces of Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang and Yen Bai have declared a state of emergency.
As of 15 October 2024, Typhoon Yagi has resulted in 323 deaths, 22 people missing, 1,978 injuries, and the evacuation of 122,000 households, according to the Viet Nam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority. Initial damage is estimated to be over VND 81,000 billion (approximately CHF 2.78 billion). Key damages reported by relevant government agencies are as follows:
- 284,000 houses damaged or destroyed.
- Damage of approximately 286,660 hectares of rice fields and 63,350 hectares of other crops and vegetables.
- Nearly 44,556 cattle and over 5.75 million poultry have died or were swept away.
- 2,350 schools and 745 healthcare facilities damaged.
- Transportation, communication, market, and water supply facilities were severely affected by the flooding and landslides due to the typhoon.
The emergency phase will last for approximately 3 months, from September to November 2024, with a gradual transition to early recovery phase. Initial assessment from the Viet Nam Red Cross Society (VNRC) in late September indicates that previously disrupted access to roads and markets are beginning to return to normal. The VNRC starts to prepare the distribution of multipurpose cash and conditional cash for livelihood and shelters to address the current need gap of food, shelter repairing and livelihood restoration.
Northern Viet Nam is a mountainous area and poor shelter conditions often leave the population more vulnerable to typhoon damage. In the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, access to essential services and markets can be challenging. In addition, 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.
Vietnam is vulnerable to typhoons and floods due to its geographical location and topography. VNRC continues to closely monitor potential risks associated with floods and landslides during the monsoon season and stands ready to support should the upcoming Typhoon Trami approach and wreak damage on the country.