Typhoon Yagi causes major damage across Southeast Asia

In Vietnam, according to the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), as of 5:00 p.m. on September 13, 2024, the country recorded 336 deaths and missing people (including 254 deaths and 82 missing people) due to the impact of storm Yagi (Storm No. 3).

In Thailand and Myanmar, hundreds of thousands of people have also been forced to flee their homes due to heavy rains and flooding. Cyclone Yagi has added to the suffering in Myanmar, where people are still living in the violence of fighting between rebel groups and the military government.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate in Myanmar due to Cyclone Yagi. Photo: AFP

Myanmar authorities said more than 235,000 people had been displaced from their homes, while at least 33 people had died as of Friday as a result of Cyclone Yagi. Myanmar's social welfare director, Lay Shwe Zin Oo, told AFP news agency that about 50 camps had been set up to help people affected by the floods.

Meanwhile, in Thailand, authorities said at least 10 people were killed by flooding or landslides. On Friday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra flew to the northern border town of Mae Sai, which suffered its worst flooding in 80 years, to meet with people affected by the storm.

Northern Thailand has experienced its worst flooding in decades. Photo: Reuters

At least nine people have died as Typhoon Yagi caused severe flooding in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces, according to the Thai government. Forty-eight provinces in the country have been placed on alert for possible flash floods as a new tropical depression is expected to intensify until September 18.

All flights to and from the airport in Chiang Rai in the south of the country have been suspended. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said many areas will be at risk of flash floods until next Wednesday as fresh rainfall is expected to cause the Mekong River to rise further.

Meanwhile, the capital Vientiane and the tourist city of Luang Prabang in Laos are also dealing with many consecutive days of heavy rain, while the water level in the Mekong River is rising, causing serious flooding.

Flooding in Chao Anouvong Park area in Vientiane, Laos. Photo: Laotian Times

Rescue teams have also been deployed to Luang Namtha province, where severe flooding has forced residents to evacuate and caused extensive damage. The local airport has been temporarily closed, and many homes have been damaged or destroyed. Some residents have sought shelter on rooftops as floodwaters continue to rise.

In one tragic incident, a man lost his life after being swept away by strong currents while trying to help others. Although water levels in Luang Namtha have begun to recede, the need for rescue operations and humanitarian aid remains urgent.

Before making landfall in Vietnam and other countries in the region, Typhoon Yagi also caused great damage when it swept through the Philippines and southern regions of China. According to official statistics, Typhoon Yagi killed at least 16 people in the Philippines and 4 others on China's Hainan Island.

Bui Huy (according to AFP, Laotian Times, Bangkok Post)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bao-yagi-gay-thiet-hai-lon-tren-khap-khu-vuc-dong-nam-a-post312323.html