Typhoon Yagi claims 14 lives in Vietnam; officials warn of heavy rain and flooding risk.

At least 14 people have died and 176 others have been injured in Vietnam after Typhoon Yagi hit the country’s north, state media reports. Described as one of the most powerful typhoons in a decade, Yagi left over 3 million people without electricity and damaged vital agricultural land, affecting rice and fruit crops.

The typhoon made landfall in the northern coastal provinces of Quang Ninh and Haiphong with wind speeds of up to 149km/h before weakening into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of heavy rain, floods, and landslides in low-lying areas, prompting evacuations and flight cancellations.

In Hanoi, efforts were underway to clear debris and assess damage, with trees and billboards uprooted, leaving a trail of destruction. The typhoon also impacted the UNESCO World Heritage site Ha Long Bay and industrial hub Haiphong.

Climate experts warn that typhoons like Yagi are becoming stronger due to climate change, leading to increased intensity and damage. Measures to protect natural systems and improve infrastructure are essential to mitigate future storm impacts.