What is Typhoon Yagi? Impact and Casualties

Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm in Asia this year, made landfall in northern Vietnam on September 7, 2024, with winds exceeding 200 km/h. The storm has caused significant destruction, with massive flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, impacting multiple countries and leaving hundreds dead or missing. 

Typhoon Yagi is a powerful tropical cyclone that has recently caused significant devastation in Asia, particularly in Vietnam. Recognized as the strongest storm in the region for 2024, Yagi made landfall in northern Vietnam on September 7, 2024, with wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h (approximately 124 mph) and has since been downgraded to a tropical depression. However, it continues to pose risks of flooding and landslides as it moves westward.

Impact and Casualties

The typhoon has resulted in catastrophic damage across several countries:

Vietnam: This is taking a toll in Vietnam where the death list has been increased to at least 143 while 58 people are said to be missing as of September 11. Erath floods and landslides occurred especially in the Northern provinces and more than 210,000 hectares of crops were washed away. There was damage to most of the bridges and power lines making most of the region go for weeks without power affecting millions of residents.

China: The Yagi typhoon struck Hainan Island before reaching Vietnam and it recorded at least 3 deaths and multiple injuries. The storm resulted in blackouts as well as destruction to various parts of the structures that led to the displacement of approximately 400000 residents.

Philippines: Earlier this week, Yagi also hit the Philippines which resulted in at least 13 deaths as well as forced evacuation due to deep flooding and landslides.

Meteorological Classification

Yagi is classified as a super typhoon and that is almost similar to the Category 5 hurricane agency. This classification shows that it can reach high wind speeds and can cause considerable destruction. Many people attribute the storm to climate change pointing out that warm water within the seas enhances the formation of storms that are charged with a great deal of energy.

Current Status

Although Typhoon Yagi has been downgraded, authorities continue to monitor its residual effects, particularly concerning ongoing rainfall and the risk of further flooding. Evacuations and emergency responses are ongoing in the hardest-hit areas as communities begin to assess and recover from the destruction.

Although Typhoon Yagi has weakened, its aftereffects, including ongoing rains and flooding, continue to endanger lives. Emergency efforts are ongoing as affected regions in Vietnam, China, and the Philippines struggle to recover from the extensive destruction caused by the storm, prompting discussions about the impact of climate change on extreme weather events.