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Typhoon Yagi, described as one of the most powerful storms in the region in recent history, has wreaked havoc across Southeast Asia, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming lives in Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. The storm's impact underscores the growing threat of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and adaptation measures in vulnerable regions.
In Vietnam, Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Saturday afternoon, bringing with it wind speeds of up to 149 kilometers per hour. The storm claimed the lives of at least four people and injured 78 others, primarily in the northern region of the country. Authorities had issued multiple alerts ahead of the storm, evacuating residents from areas susceptible to floods and landslides. Four airports, including those in Hanoi and Haiphong, were shut down as a precautionary measure. Strong winds caused significant damage, including uprooted trees and downed billboards, and triggered power outages in several provinces.
Before reaching Vietnam, Typhoon Yagi struck the Chinese province of Hainan on Friday afternoon with even stronger wind speeds of up to 245 kilometers per hour. The storm caused widespread devastation, claiming three lives and injuring 95 people. Over 1.2 million people in Hainan were affected by the typhoon, and authorities relocated nearly 420,000 residents. Yagi subsequently made landfall in Xuwen County in Guangdong province, displacing another half a million people. The storm's impact was also felt in Hong Kong, where it forced over 270 people to seek refuge in temporary shelters and led to the cancellation of more than 100 flights. Heavy rain and strong winds toppled trees, disrupted stock market trading, and halted school and bank services.
The Philippines also bore the brunt of Typhoon Yagi, which swept through the country before reaching Vietnam. The storm left at least 20 people dead and 26 others missing, primarily due to landslides and flooding. Over 82,200 people were displaced from their homes, and more than 2.3 million people were affected across northern and central provinces. Classes, work, ferry services, and domestic flights were suspended for several days, including in metropolitan Manila. The storm's devastation underscores the vulnerability of the Philippines to extreme weather events and highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation measures.
The intensifying impact of storms like Typhoon Yagi is directly linked to the warming of ocean waters due to climate change. According to a U.N. climate change report, intense typhoons are becoming more frequent, particularly in Southeast Asia. This trend is expected to continue, posing a significant threat to the region's population and infrastructure. To address this challenge, governments and communities must prioritize climate adaptation strategies, including investments in early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable land management practices. Collaboration between nations and international organizations is also crucial in sharing knowledge, resources, and technologies to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and build a more resilient future.
Source: Asia’s most powerful storm of 2024, Typhoon Yagi hits Vietnam, kills 4, injures 78