Phu Tho Province: In northern Vietnam’s Phu Tho province, the Phong Chau Bridge collapsed on Monday morning as the region endured the destructive effects of Typhoon Yagi. The 375-meter-long bridge gave way, plunging at least 10 vehicles, including cars and motorbikes, into the Red River, local media reported. Rescue teams are actively searching for 13 missing people, though no casualties have been confirmed, according to Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc. Authorities are working to build a pontoon bridge to restore access to the area, while part of the bridge remains standing.
WARNING – disturbing footage.
In Vietnam, at least 13 people fell into the Hồng (Red) River after part of Phong Châu Bridge in Phú Thọ was swept away by floodwaters. About 10 vehicles and two motorbikes fell in. Rescue efforts are hindered by fast currents following Typhoon… pic.twitter.com/TUZSnL5EIe— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) September 9, 2024
Typhoon Yagi’s Widespread Impact
Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit the region in decades, made landfall on Saturday and has claimed the lives of at least 64 people. The storm caused severe flooding and landslides across northern Vietnam, with rescue operations hindered by blocked roads and continuous rainfall.
Landslide Sweeps Away Passenger Bus
In Cao Bang province, a passenger bus carrying 20 people was swept away by a landslide, complicating rescue efforts. Heavy rain and road blockages have slowed down the work of rescue teams.
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Emergency Response and Power Outages
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has launched emergency aid packages and instructed the military to focus on rescue and recovery operations. Millions of households and businesses experienced power outages, with over 5.7 million customers affected. By Monday, 75% of the power had been restored.
Damage to Industrial Zones
The storm caused significant disruptions in Vietnam’s northern industrial hubs. Haiphong, a city of two million people, suffered extensive damage, particularly to factories. Heavy rains flooded production plants, and the LG Electronics factory experienced damage, though no employee injuries were reported.
Meteorological Warnings
The Vietnam Meteorological Agency has warned of ongoing risks of flooding and landslides. Rainfall in northern regions over the past 48 hours has ranged between 208 and 433 mm, further endangering vulnerable areas.
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