Thailand experiences extensive waterlogging and inundations - Post-Typhoon, Death Toll and Missing Individuals Increase in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the mortality rate and number of individuals unaccounted for are soaring following the catastrophic tropical storm "Yagi." Based on the most recent figures from the crisis management organization, 143 fatalities have been confirmed, and 58 are still untraceable as of dawn (local time). Over the weekend, the most severe tropical storm in decades unleashed its fury for 15 hours, predominantly in the northern region of Southeast Asia's Vietnam.
Similarly, the consequences of the typhoon are now making their presence felt in Thailand. Per reports from the crisis management organization, significant flooding has been reported in the tourist-thronged provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, situated near the Myanmar border. At least four lives have been lost in the floods, according to the same organization.
The border town of Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand directly on the Myanmar border, suffered the brunt of the damage. Many residents found themselves stranded on their rooftops, waiting for rescue, as reported in the newspaper "Khaosod."
The Red River is causing widespread concern. In Vietnam, the majority of the victims perished in flash floods and landslides. Over 800 individuals also sustained injuries. Following the collapse of a heavily-trafficked bridge north of the capital Hanoi on Monday, which sent several vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, plunging into the Red River, eight people are still nowhere to be found in that area.
As reported in the newspaper "VnExpress", the Red River has reached its highest water level in 16 years. Residents of adjacent residential areas in Hanoi were forced to evacuate due to the rising floodwaters during the night. Authorities are bracing for the water level to rise further - and concern is growing. Back in November 2008, large parts of Hanoi were submerged following heavy rainfall.
The National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting had previously identified "Yagi" as the strongest storm in 30 years. Prior to reaching Vietnam, the typhoon had swept over the Philippines and China, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake.
Heavy downpour continues in several parts of the country. According to the crisis management organization, the tropical storm has left over 100,000 homes in ruins, many of which have been completely submerged. Trees have been uprooted in numerous provinces in their hundreds of thousands. Around 800,000 livestock, primarily poultry and cattle, have succumbed to the calamity.
Heavy rainfall persists in certain areas of the country as of Wednesday. Meteorologists predict that heavy rainfall will continue in the coming days.
Tropical cyclones normally develop over warm ocean waters. Climate change potentially increases the frequency of powerful storms.
After the devastating tropical storm "Yagi", many people in Vietnam decided to take a break and spend the weekend at home, hoping for a respite. Regrettably, the weekend was dominated by continuous heavy rainfall, exacerbating the situation and further causing damage.
