Hanoi, Sept 8 V7N– Typhoon Yagi, Asia's most powerful storm of the year, was downgraded to a tropical depression on Sunday after causing widespread destruction across northern Vietnam, China's Hainan, and the Philippines. Preliminary reports indicate that dozens of lives have been lost as the storm continues its westward path.

Vietnam's meteorological agency announced the downgrade but warned of continued risks of flooding and landslides in the aftermath of the storm, which is the strongest to hit the country in decades. In the capital city of Hanoi, Yagi caused massive disruptions, leading to power outages, downed telecommunications, severe flooding, and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

At least three people have been confirmed dead in Hanoi, with the national death toll in Vietnam rising to 14, according to local reports. This includes four individuals who perished in a landslide in Hoa Binh province, 100 kilometers south of Hanoi. In northern Hai Duong province, a motorcyclist lost his life after being struck by a falling tree. Rescue operations are also underway near Halong City, where a dozen people remain missing at sea, with one body recovered so far.

In China’s Hainan province, four fatalities were reported as the storm swept across the region. Meanwhile, the Philippines, the first country Yagi impacted, has now confirmed 20 deaths, with 22 individuals still missing, as per the latest updates from local authorities.

As Yagi made landfall in Vietnam on Saturday, coastal provinces experienced waves as high as 4 meters (13 feet), resulting in widespread power and telecommunication outages that are complicating rescue efforts and damage assessments. The meteorological agency warned of a continued risk of flash floods and landslides, particularly in the northern mountainous areas and the coastal province of Thanh Hoa.

By Sunday morning, calm returned to Hanoi, where authorities worked to clear streets of debris, including fallen trees and damaged vehicles. "The storm has devastated the city. Trees fell down on top of people's houses, cars, and even people on the streets," said Hoang Ngoc Nhien, a 57-year-old Hanoi resident.

In Hainan, initial reports suggest significant economic losses and widespread power outages, though authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage.

END/WD/RH