Viet Nam: Typhoon Yagi and Floods - Situation Update No. 4 (as of 18 September 2024)

This report is produced by the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, in collaboration with Sector Leads, humanitarian partners, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). It covers the period from 15-18 September 2024.

HIGHLIGHTS

• As of 16 September, the Viet Nam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) reported some 291 fatalities, 38 people missing and 237,000 homes damaged as a result of Typhoon Yagi and subsequent rains and landslides.
• Some three million people are affected, including 1.3 million people in 26 provinces who suffered from damaged and flooded homes.
• An additional 84,000 homes were flooded, and 1,530 schools and 570 health facilities were damaged.
• The Joint Assessment Teams (JAT) deployed to Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Lao Cai and Yen Bai provinces finalized their assessment missions and shared their initial findings.
• According to the Minister of Planning and Investment, Typhoon Yagi caused VNĐ40 trillion (US$1.6 billion) worth of damage.
• To date, the Government of Viet Nam has provided more than VNĐ350 billion ($14.26 million) and 200 tons of rice to the affected areas, with more support expected.
• On 17 September, a Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership (DRRP) meeting was held in which VDDMA presented the results of the three joint assessments, highlighting priority humanitarian needs.
• On 16 September the Resident Coordinator activated the Intersector Coordination Group (ICG) together with Heads of UN Agencies to coordinate the humanitarian and early recovery response activities and is developing an immediate need and early recovery joint response plan.
• Serious concerns exist over a current tropical depression in the East Sea which is forecasted to strengthen into another possible typhoon and follow a similar path as Typhoon Yagi.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Eleven days after Typhoon Yagi made landfall in northern Viet Nam, authorities are engaged in massive response and recovery efforts. The typhoon and subsequent five days of heavy rains led to flooding and landslides in central and northern provinces, causing significant damage to homes and public buildings, disrupting basic services. Most schools remain closed, and those health facilities spared from damage are overwhelmed due to the number of injuries and increased risks of waterborne diseases.

On 16 September, the VDDMA reported 291 fatalities, 38 people missing and 237,000 homes damaged as a result of the typhoon, rains and landslides. An additional 84,000 homes were flooded, and 1,530 schools and 570 health facilities were damaged. According to the Minister of Planning and Investment, initial damage assessments from the typhoon amounted to VNĐ40 trillion ($1.6 billion) in damages. Some three million people are affected, including 1.3 million people in 26 provinces who suffered from damaged and flooded homes.

Typhoon Yagi and subsequent floods also severely impacted food security, agriculture, and livelihoods. Extensive agricultural land was submerged, causing significant damage to crops and disrupting the main rice planting season, which runs from June to September. Rice, a staple for many households, was damaged just before harvesting, challenging food insecurity in the affected regions. This disruption not only affects immediate food supplies but also jeopardizes the future income and resilience of farming households. Livestock losses further reduced food resources and income streams for rural families. According to VDDMA as of 16 September, approximately 251,000 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, and 2.96 million livestock perished.

The floods also destroyed critical infrastructure, including irrigation systems, further exacerbating the challenges faced by affected communities. Livelihoods, particularly those of smallholder farmers and agricultural laborers, were severely disrupted, resulting in reduced incomes and heightened long-term vulnerability. Assistance is essential to restore food security, revive agricultural production, and provide alternative livelihoods, helping communities rebuild more resiliently.

From 12-14 September the last of three joint assessment missions to Lao Cai and Yen Bai provinces took place. Initial findings by the JATs indicate that in Lao Cai province some 5,000 homes were damaged, with 50 per cent of affected areas lacking clean water and electricity. In Yen Bai, some 23,400 homes were damaged, with river water rising to levels not seen in 60 years. 22 flooded and 59 damaged schools require repairs to reopen. Priority needs of affected people include food, drinking water, blankets, water containers and essential household and personal hygiene items. This follows previous joint assessments to the affected provinces of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.