Typhoon Yagi Death Toll in Vietnam Rises to 262

Author: Dian Kencana
September 16, 2024

Rescue workers search for the missing after a flash flood in Lao Cai, Vietnam, on September 12. (AP)

SEAToday.com, Hanoi - Local media in Vietnam reported on Saturday (9/14) that the death toll from Typhoon Yagi had increased by 29 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to 262.

The Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) stated that 820 people were injured, and 83 remained missing. Heavy rains brought by the typhoon last week led to widespread flooding and landslides along Vietnam's northeastern coast, with Lao Cai province suffering the most severe impact, recording 111 deaths and 61 missing.

The typhoon caused extensive damage, affecting 18,000 homes and submerging over 73,000 more. The destruction was widespread across 26 coastal and northern provinces.

UNICEF warned that hundreds of thousands of children had been displaced and lacked access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. The agency estimated that an initial 15 million US dollar was needed to address the urgent needs of affected children and families.

International aid has been flowing into Vietnam in the aftermath of Yagi, with Australia already delivering humanitarian supplies as part of $2 million in assistance.

South Korea has also pledged $2 million in aid, and the U.S. Embassy said Friday it would provide $1 million in support through the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID.

“With more heavy rain forecast in the coming days, USAID’s disaster experts continue to monitor humanitarian needs in close coordination with local emergency authorities and partners on the ground,” the embassy said in a statement. “USAID humanitarian experts on the ground are participating in ongoing assessments to ensure U.S. assistance rapidly reaches populations in need.”