Supertyphoon Yagi devastated northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, from September 7 to 12. It is the strongest typhoon to hit Vietnam within the last three many years. Heavy rains and extreme winds reaching speeds of as much as 200 kilometers per hour triggered various other disasters, corresponding to floods, landslides and severe damage to public infrastructure and residents’ homes.
Vietnam suffered significant losses and roughly 50,000 people were forced to evacuate. Additionally, infrastructure damage brought on by Typhoon Yagi disrupted electrical systems and telecommunications networks.
According to the official website International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societiesroughly 199 people died, 128 were reported missing, 190,000 homes were submerged in severe flooding, and roughly 1.6 million people were affected by this natural disaster.
More victims are expected to need assistance and further damage will likely be discovered as assessments proceed.
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Nguyen Hai Anh, vice chairman and secretary general of the Vietnam Red Cross, said that Super Typhoon Yagi has affected almost 19 million people.
“We are deeply concerned about their health, well-being and ability to cope with the effects and consequences of Super Typhoon Yagi, especially those in particularly vulnerable situations such as the elderly and children,” Nguyen Hai Anh said.
The events in Vietnam have generated sympathy and empathy from many parties, including leaders of foreign governments and international organizations.
Read also: Vietnam is receiving over $22 million in aid to assist victims of Typhoon Yagi
Sympathy and empathy from world leaders
On Saturday, September 14, 2024, Indonesian Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto visited Vietnam. During his visit, Prabowo confirmed that Indonesia is open and able to send various types of assistance to assist Vietnam take care of the consequences of Super Typhoon Yagi.
“Indonesia is ready to provide assistance in any form,” Prabowo Subianto said.
Leaders around the globe sent letters of condolences and sympathy to the Vietnamese government. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the Vietnamese government over the disaster.
Similarly, the Prime Minister of New Zealand expressed sympathy and promised assistance in mitigating the consequences of the typhoon.
Pope Francis also expressed his condolences and sympathy for the victims and the destruction brought on by the disaster. Many other world leaders also expressed sympathy and pledged support for Vietnam in coping with the damage brought on by the typhoon.
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Humanitarian aid for victims
From 17:00 local time on September 15, 2024. Government News of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam reported that over VND1.09 trillion ($44.4 million) was donated by individuals and groups each at home and abroad to the Central Relief Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) to assist those affected by super typhoon Yagi.
In the meantime, IFRC is working with the Vietnam Red Cross to support international mobilization efforts to satisfy growing needs. This includes health services, water and sanitation, and the restoration of living conditions and livelihoods of affected communities.
In addition, about 20 countries sent aid packages, including money donations totaling $22 million and essential items corresponding to blankets, solar-powered lamps, kitchen utensils, water purifiers and other items to support those affected.
