Super Typhoon Yagi devastated northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, from September 7 to 12. It is the strongest typhoon to hit Vietnam in the last three decades. Torrential rains and extreme winds reaching up to 200 kilometers per hour triggered various other disasters, such as floods, landslides, and severe damage to public infrastructure and residents' homes.
Vietnam has suffered significant losses, with around 50,000 people forced to evacuate. In addition, the damage to infrastructure caused by Typhoon Yagi has disrupted electrical systems and telecommunications networks.
According to the official website of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, approximately 199 people have died, 128 are reported missing, 190,000 homes were submerged in severe flooding, and about 1.6 million people have been affected by this natural disaster.
It is anticipated that more victims will need assistance and that further damage will be uncovered as assessments continue.
Read also: Millions affected as Super Typhoon Yagi hits Vietnam
Nguyen Hai Anh, Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Red Cross stated that nearly 19 million people have been affected by Super Typhoon Yagi.
"We are deeply concerned about their health, well-being, and ability to cope with the impact and consequences of Super Typhoon Yagi, especially those in vulnerable conditions, such as the elderly and children," said Nguyen Hai Anh.
The events in Vietnam have drawn sympathy and empathy from many parties, including foreign government leaders and international organizations.
Read also: Viet Nam receives over US$22 million in aid for Yagi Typhoon relief efforts
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 affirmed that Indonesia is open and willing to send various forms of assistance to help Vietnam deal with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yagi.
"Indonesia is ready to assist in any capacity that may be required," said Prabowo Subianto.
Leaders worldwide have sent letters of condolence and sympathy to the Vietnamese government. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the Government of Vietnam for the disaster.
Likewise, the New Zealand Prime Minister extended his sympathy and pledged assistance to help mitigate the impact of the typhoon.
Pope Francis also offered his condolences and expressed sympathy for the victims and the destruction caused by the disaster. Numerous other world leaders have also conveyed sympathy and pledged support for Vietnam in addressing the damage caused by the typhoon.
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Humanitarian Assistance for the Victims
As of 5:00 PM local time on September 15, 2024, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Government News reported that over VND 1.09 trillion (US$44.4 million) had been donated by individuals and groups both domestically and internationally to the Central Relief Committee under the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) to assist those affected by Super Typhoon Yagi.
Meanwhile, the IFRC has been working with the Vietnam Red Cross to support international mobilization efforts to meet the increasing needs. This includes healthcare services, water and sanitation, and the recovery of living conditions and livelihoods for the affected communities.
Additionally, aid packages have been sent by approximately 20 countries, including cash donations totaling US$22 million and essential supplies such as blankets, solar-powered lamps, kitchen utensils, water purifiers, and other items to support those affected.
