Thousands flee Vietnam floods after typhoon hits

In Vietnam, a powerful storm known as Typhoon Yagi has caused severe flooding, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents in the capital city of Hanoi. The Red River has risen to its highest level in twenty years, resulting in floodwaters reaching up to one meter in some areas. Many people have been forced to navigate their neighborhoods using boats as the streets have become impassable. Due to safety concerns, power has been cut off in certain districts, and state media has reported that ten out of thirty administrative districts in Hanoi are currently on 'flood alert. ' The aftermath of Typhoon Yagi has been devastating, with reports indicating that at least 179 people have lost their lives due to the floods and landslides that have swept across northern Vietnam. Residents have expressed their shock and fear as they witness the destruction around them. Tran Le Quyen, a Hanoi resident, shared her experience, stating, 'This is the worst flood I have seen. ' She described how just the day before, everything was dry, but now her entire street is submerged in water, making it impossible for her to sleep. Another resident, Nguyen Van Hung, lamented, 'My home is now part of the river,' highlighting the extent of the flooding in his neighborhood along the banks of the Red River. The situation has become dire, especially in the village of Lang Nu, where an entire community was swept away by flash floods. Rescue operations are underway, with hundreds of soldiers deployed to search for those who are still missing. Hoang Thi Bay, one of the survivors, recounted her terrifying experience, saying, 'I looked out of the window and saw a huge amount of land coming towards me. ' She managed to survive by clinging to a concrete pole as her wooden stilt house was destroyed. Authorities are also closely monitoring a hydropower plant in the northwestern Yen Bai province, as the inflow of water into the reservoir surrounding the dam raises concerns about its stability. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep assured the public that the hydropower plant is currently 'safe,' but he urged residents in the area to remain sheltered until the water levels decrease to a manageable level. The destruction caused by Typhoon Yagi has been extensive, with reports of vehicles being swept into the Red River and significant damage to infrastructure and buildings. Before reaching Vietnam, the typhoon had already claimed 24 lives in southern China and the Philippines. Scientists have warned that as global temperatures rise, storms like Typhoon Yagi may become more intense, bringing stronger winds and heavier rainfall, although the impact of climate change on individual storms is complex.