Typhoon Yagi collapses busy bridge in Vietnam
A Tragedy Unfolds
Typhoon Yagi collapses busy bridge in Vietnam. Typhoon Yagi, one of the most powerful storms to hit Southeast Asia this year, has wreaked havoc in northern Vietnam. The storm, which made landfall on September 7, 2024, brought with it destructive winds, flooding, and landslides, causing widespread damage and casualties. One of the most shocking events resulting from the typhoon was the collapse of the Phong Chau bridge in Phu Tho province, a critical structure connecting Lam Thao and Tam Nong districts.
On the morning of September 9, at approximately 10:00 AM local time, the 375-meter-long bridge succumbed to the floodwaters, sending nine vehicles, including trucks and motorcycles, into the Red River. Rescue operations have been underway, but several people remain missing.
The Immediate Aftermaths
Authorities confirmed that at least 22 people lost their lives, while 34 more remain missing. Rescue efforts have been hindered by the ongoing floods and damaged infrastructure, with many regions completely cut off. The bridge collapse has amplified the difficulties, as it was a major thoroughfare for the area, and its loss has severely impacted local transportation.
Widespread Destruction
Typhoon Yagi’s landfall brought winds as strong as 149 km/h, devastating northern Vietnam. Beyond the bridge collapse, the typhoon has caused landslides and flash floods in various provinces. In Phu Tho, as well as Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces, homes, businesses, and public infrastructure have been destroyed. More than 240,000 people have been displaced, with rescue teams racing to help those stranded by the floods. Over 50,000 people from coastal regions were evacuated in preparation for the storm.
Broader Impact on Vietnam
The devastation extended beyond just the collapse of the bridge. Typhoon Yagi has claimed over 59 lives across the country, primarily due to flooding and landslides. Many areas remain without power as fallen trees and damaged transmission lines have severed electricity to nearly 1.5 million households. Vietnam’s meteorological agency has warned that while the storm has weakened, heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides still pose a serious threat to northern provinces.
Before hitting Vietnam, Yagi left a trail of destruction across the Philippines and China, killing over 20 people in the Philippines and causing significant damage in China’s Hainan province.
The Road to Recovery
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Haiphong, one of the hardest-hit cities, and announced an emergency relief package of $4.6 million to aid in recovery efforts. Military personnel and local authorities are working around the clock to rescue those trapped and rebuild essential infrastructure. However, the scale of the disaster means that full recovery will take time.
In the coming weeks, Vietnam will need to focus on rebuilding damaged infrastructure like the Phong Chau bridge, addressing the agricultural losses in flooded regions, and providing relief to displaced families.
Typhoon Yagi’s impact on Vietnam underscores the growing intensity of storms in the region, exacerbated by climate change. As the country deals with the immediate rescue efforts, the long-term challenges of rebuilding and preparing for future storms remain paramount. The collapse of the Phong Chau bridge is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of infrastructure in the face of natural disasters, and the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and mitigation measures.
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