Hanoi, Sep 12 (V7N) –The death toll from landslides and flash floods caused by Super Typhoon Yagi has risen to 197, with 128 people still missing, the Vietnamese government confirmed on Thursday. The typhoon, which hit northern Vietnam last Saturday, brought torrential rains and widespread devastation, making it the deadliest storm to hit the region this year.

In addition to the tragic loss of life, the storm caused extensive damage to the country’s agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture reported that over 250,000 hectares of crops were destroyed, severely impacting the livelihoods of farmers in the affected areas. The storm has been classified by Vietnam's Disaster Management Office as the most powerful cyclone to hit the country in 2024.

Super Typhoon Yagi made landfall in northern Vietnam, where authorities had issued urgent warnings for flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. Around 50,000 people were evacuated from coastal cities, and residents were advised to stay indoors. Schools were also temporarily closed in 12 northern provinces, including the capital, Hanoi.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Hoa Binh province, where a landslide claimed the lives of four members of the same family. The landslide, which struck around midnight on Sunday, followed several hours of continuous heavy rain caused by Yagi.

Before reaching Vietnam, Typhoon Yagi also struck China’s Hainan province, where it caused significant damage and casualties. Vietnam continues to struggle with the aftermath of the storm as search and rescue operations remain ongoing for those still missing.

Local authorities and international relief agencies are working together to provide aid to the affected regions, but the sheer scale of destruction will require a lengthy recovery process.

END/AJ/RH