Vietnam Reels from Typhoon Yagi Devastation: Floods, Landslides, and International Aid Efforts

Northern Vietnam continues to suffer from severe floods and landslides caused by Typhoon Yagi. The storm, the strongest to hit Asia this year, has resulted in over 197 deaths, 128 missing persons, and extensive damage to crops and infrastructure. International aid is being dispatched to assist recovery efforts.

Several districts in Hanoi remained underwater on Thursday as the weather agency predicted little change in Red River water levels over the next 24 hours. Northern Vietnam continues to battle floods and landslides following Typhoon Yagi's landfall.

The powerful storm, the strongest to hit Asia this year, left 197 people dead and 128 missing since striking on Saturday, according to Vietnam's disaster management agency. Around 800 people were injured. "High flooding water levels have flooded riverside and low-lying areas, eroded dykes, and threatened parts of Hanoi and other northern provinces," the agency reported.

Thousands of residents near the swollen Red River were evacuated when its waters reached a 20-year high. North of Hanoi, deadly landslides and severe flooding persist, state media revealed. "I never thought my house would be under water this deep," said Hoang Van Ty from Thai Nguyen province. "My clothes and furniture are all under water. Luckily, I closed the doors so nothing washed away."

Thai Nguyen province, hosting Samsung Electronics' largest smartphone plant in Vietnam, saw floodwaters recede in some parts, with cleanup efforts underway. The disaster impacted over 200,000 hectares of rice and cash crops. Typhoon Yagi also disrupted power supplies and damaged factory roofs in Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces, halting production. International aid from countries including Australia, Japan, and the USA is en route.

(With inputs from agencies.)