Typhoon Yagi latest: Strongest storm to hit Asia this year kills 14 in Vietnam and injures hundreds
Authorities warn of ongoing risks, including flooding and landslides, as the storm continues to weaken
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Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Asia this year, was downgraded to a tropical depression on Sunday after killing at least 14 in Vietnam.
The storm caused significant damage in northern Vietnam, China’s Hainan, and the Philippines, killing dozens and injuring several more.
Although the Vietnamese meteorological agency issued the downgrade, they warned of continuing risks, including potential flooding and landslides, as the storm progresses westward.
Strong winds reaching 203 kmph caused extensive damage across northern Vietnam. Buildings were wrecked, vehicles were crushed by debris, and falling trees triggered power outages, including in the capital, Hanoi.
More than 170 people are reported injured.
The government reported that the storm has resulted in at least three deaths in Hanoi, a city of 8.5 million, though these numbers are preliminary. Overall, reports indicate that fourteen people have died in Vietnam so far, including four from a landslide in Hoa Binh province, approximately 100 km south of Hanoi.
In the Philippines, the storm left 20 dead, several more missing, and over two million affected, with landslides and widespread flooding displacing over 47,600 people from their homes.
Welcome to The Independent’s liveblog for Saturday, 7 September 2024, where we provide the latest update on Typhoon Yagi.
Southern China reels from Typhoon Yagi's fury, one million affected
Typhoon Yagi made two landfalls in southern China on Friday, forcing the relocation of nearly one million people as it brought widespread destruction and disruption to the region.
The storm, which packed winds of up to 245kmph, made its first landfall in Hainan province’s Wenchang city at around 4.20pm, and a second landfall in Xuwen County in neighbouring Guangdong province on Friday night.
Ahead of the landfalls, authorities evacuated nearly 420,000 residents in Hainan and over 500,000 in Guangdong, with many more forced to flee their homes due to heavy rain, power outages, and strong winds. The storm caused widespread disruptions, including:- Suspended classes, work, transportation, and businesses in parts of the province as early as Wednesday evening
- Closed tourist attractions and grounded flights at three airports on the island
- Power outages, leaving and heavy rain across most of Hainan
- Strong winds buffeting the province’s iconic coconut trees
The residents were building sandbag barriers outside buildings to guard against possible floods and reinforcing their windows with tape.
Authorities issued top emergency response alerts, with state broadcaster CCTV reporting that Qinzhou city in Guangxi region also issued a top emergency response alert to guard against the typhoon. The storm was described as the strongest autumn typhoon to have landed in China by the country’s national meteorological authorities.
Typhoon Yagi sets sight on Vietnam after tearing through China
Super Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, churned towards the northern coast of Vietnam on Saturday after tearing through China’s southern island province of Hainan with lightning, rain and violent winds.
Vietnamese authorities took precautionary measures, urging ships to return to shore and evacuating residents and tourists from islands, according to state media.
Meanwhile, schools in Hanoi and other northern provinces were ordered to close on Saturday, local news media reported.
Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam suspended flights at least four airports on Friday, halting all arrivals and departures.
In pictures: Typhoon Yagi makes landfall in China
Yagi weakens slightly but remains powerful threat to Vietnam
Typhoon Yagi spun towards northern Vietnam over the Gulf of Tonkin on Saturday. Maximum wind speeds had eased slightly to the levels of a Category 3 typhoon from Category 4, coming in at 187 kmph, according to Chinese meteorological authorities.
Typhoon Yagi formed over the waters east of the Philippine archipelago on September 1. On gaining strength, it became a tropical storm and swept across Luzon, the most populous island in the Philippines, killing at least 16 people and injuring 13.
The storm grew dramatically stronger late in the week, becoming the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024 after Category 5 Atlantic hurricane Beryl, and the most severe in the Pacific basin this year.
Typhoon Yagi wreaks havoc on Hainan island, killing 2 and injuring 92
Super Typhoon Yagi brought destruction to southern China’s Hainan island, leaving at least two dead and 92 injured after making landfall.
The storm lashed the island with heavy rain and gusty winds, uprooting trees and prompting the evacuation of 460,000 people. Winds reached over 230kmph, forcing the closure of Haikou’s main airport until 3pm on Saturday, reported CCTV.
UAE Embassy warns citizens in Vietnam as Typhoon Yagi approaches
The UAE Embassy in Hanoi has issued a warning to Emirati citizens in Vietnam on Friday, urging them to exercise caution as Typhoon Yagi is expected to affect the country’s northern provinces.
In a statement, the embassy advised citizens to contact them in case of an emergency at 0097180024 or 0097180044444 as it urged the nationals to follow safety instructions issued by Vietnamese authorities.
The warning comes as Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the closure of four airports in the north, including Hanoi’s Noi Bai International, on Saturday due to the storm.
In pictures: Hanoi streets littered with fallen trees as Typhoon Yagi hits
Typhoon Yagi kills 2 and injures 92 in China's Hainan
Typhoon Yagi has claimed two lives and injured at least 92 people in China’s southern Hainan Island, with widespread power outages and property damage reported.
Typhoon Yagi, now heading towards northern Vietnam, was described by Vietnamese authorities as “one of the most powerful typhoons in the region over the past decade”.
Yagi made landfall in Hainan’s Wenchang city on Friday afternoon, packing wind speeds of up to 245kmph.
The storm caused significant disruption in China, with over 800,000 households left without power. In preparation for the typhoon’s arrival, 420,000 Hainan residents were relocated, while an additional 500,000 people were evacuated in Guangdong province before Yagi made a second landfall in Xuwen County on Friday night.
China’s national meteorological authorities have confirmed Yagi as the strongest autumn typhoon to have landed in China.
Typhoon Yagi targets Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, Unesco World Heritage site
A powerful typhoon is barreling towards Vietnam’s stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its towering limestone islands and emerald waters.
Typhoon Yagi is expected to make landfall near the coastal province of Quang Ninh, prompting widespread cancellations of cruises and tours.
Authorities are racing against time to prepare for the storm’s impact, pruning trees in Hanoi to prevent them from falling and evacuating residents in high-risk areas. However, strong winds and heavy rain have already knocked over trees and billboards in northern cities, and local media reports that many moored boats have been swept out to sea.
Stay tuned for updates on Typhoon Yagi’s progress and impact. Share your concerns and photos with me on Namita.Singh@independent.co.uk.
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