Devastation in Vietnam after Typhoon Yagi: 65 dead and thousands affected.

Typhoon Yagi has left a trail of devastation in Vietnam, with a heartbreaking toll that includes 65 dead and 39 missing. The storm, which made landfall last Saturday, has been considered the most powerful typhoon of the year in Asia, with gusts reaching 149 kilometers per hour. Although the typhoon has lost intensity and is practically out of Vietnamese territory, its effects continue to be felt, especially in the north of the country, where the greatest tragedies have been recorded. Vietnam's state television, VTV, has reported that most of the victims are concentrated in the provinces of Cao Bang and Lao Cai. The force of the typhoon, which brought torrential rains and destructive winds, has caused significant damage to infrastructure and homes. It is estimated that around 750 people have been injured and approximately 48,000 homes have been affected, in addition to 150,000 hectares of rice fields, which are vital to the country's agricultural economy. As authorities attempt to assess the extent of the damage, concern persists in the capital, Hanoi. With only one reported death so far, authorities have raised the alert due to the risk of flooding from the Red River, which could further worsen the flooding in various streets of the city. This increase in concern is fueled by the ongoing forecast of rain that could trigger new landslides and more flooding in already affected areas. One of the most shocking tragedies of the typhoon has been the collapse of the Phong Chau bridge in Phu Tho province, which resulted in at least ten vehicles and two motorcycles falling into the river. So far, eight people are missing after this incident, prompting authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bridge's collapse. Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Pho visited the site and expressed his deep concern about the situation. In the days leading up to the arrival of the typhoon, Vietnamese authorities had already taken preventive measures, evacuating around 50,000 people from the most vulnerable areas. Nearly half a million soldiers are currently mobilized in rescue and assistance operations, working tirelessly to help affected communities recover from the devastation caused by Yagi. The impact of Typhoon Yagi has not been limited to Vietnam. Before making landfall in the country, the typhoon wreaked havoc on Hainan Island in China, resulting in at least two deaths and 92 injuries, in addition to disrupting power supply to more than 1.5 million households. The typhoon also passed through Luzon Island in the Philippines, where it caused 20 deaths, 26 missing, and 22 injuries, revealing the devastating path of the storm through the region. The magnitude of the tragedy has highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure and the need to strengthen disaster preparedness in Southeast Asian countries. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the region must prioritize adaptation and resilience in its planning and development. As the country faces the daunting task of reconstruction, many are asking how disaster response can be improved. Authorities and climate experts have emphasized the importance of learning from events like Typhoon Yagi to implement strategies that minimize the impact of future natural disasters. Meanwhile, Vietnamese citizens are showing solidarity and mutual support in these difficult times, reaffirming the importance of community in recovery. Hope remains alive, and although the road ahead will be arduous, the resilience of the Vietnamese people is a testament to their ability to overcome adversity.