Situation
After making landfall on 7 September 2024, the death toll of Typhoon Yagi has risen in Vietnam. According to government estimates, by 17:00 on 11 September 2024, in total 324 persons were reported to be either dead or missing and 807 persons injured. One of the country’s largest rivers reaches its highest level in two decades, flooding the streets of Hanoi.
By 11 September 2024, thousands of people have evacuated from low-lying areas of the capital city and 10 of Hanoi’s 30 administrative districts are on “flood alert”. Thousands of houses were destroyed and flooded in several of the northern provinces. The typhoon tore roofs from buildings, uprooted trees, and left wide spread damage to infrastructure and factories in the north. Agriculture, livestock, and other forms of livelihood have been destroyed.
Typhoon Yagi is considered as Viet Nam’s most powerful storm in 30 years, with 18 provinces affected or on alert. Around 1.5 million people were without power for several days. The electricity and mobile network have now been restored in all affected areas.
Floods and landslides across northern Viet Nam have been the main causes of death from the typhoon, the government said
On Monday 9 September, in Phu Tho province, a busy bridge collapsed, plunging ten cars and two scooters into Thao River (Red River).
An entire village in the northern Lao Cai province was swept away on Tuesday 10 September by the amid flash flood morning of 12 September 2024, 60 people have been confirmed dead, and hundreds of soldiers have been deployed to the village in search of those still missing.
Authorities are also paying careful attention on a hydropower plant in the northwestern Yen Bai province, as a huge in flow of water into the reservoir surrounding the dam raises concerns that it may collapse.
Movement’s Response
Viet Nam Red Cross (VNRC) HQ sent delegations to affected areas for needs assessment and assistance (Yen Bai province and Hai Phong city), as well as to organize relief teams to the northern mountainous areas and organize relief goods; VNRC Immediately transferred household kits from Lao Cai and Hanoi Warehouse to 8different provinces.
VNRC Deployed experts to participate in Joint Assessment Teams with UN Agencies and INGOs coordinated by VNDMA/NDMO to affected areas to conduct needs and damages assessment.
VNRC continuously conducted risk assessment and provided response in dangerous areas and is cooperating with local branches to send relief items to affected families. Viet Nam Red Cross (VNRC) HQs sent delegations to affected areas for needs assessment and assistance (Yen Bai province and Hai Phong city), as well as to organize relief teams to the northern mountainous areas and organize relief goods; VNRC Immediately transferred household kits from Lao Cai and Hanoi Warehouse to 8 different provinces.
VNRC Deployed experts to participate in Joint Assessment Teams with IJN Agencies and INGOs coordinated by Vietnam Disaster Management Authority (VNDMA)/ National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to affected areas to conduct needs and damages assessment.
VNRC continuously conducted risk assessment and provided response in dangerous areas and is cooperating with local branches to send relief items to affected families.
The Red Cross Provincial Chapters are making every effort to support people in need. Some VNRC Chapters delivered relief items to affected communities in the form of food and non-food items. VNRC staff and volunteers support local people in most potentially affected areas for evacuation.
RFL needs and response
Many people have been reported missing due to floods and landslides. Power lines and mobile networks have been restored in the affected areas. The full extent of RFL needs is not yet known.
The VNRC is currently undertaking needs assessment which includes RFL. The VNRC stands ready to assist in this field.
Instructions to the Family Links Network
The Viet Nam Red Cross Society is accepting tracing requests, which can be sent directly to the Viet Nam RedCross Society via the proper channel (Aspera).
For inquiries about the tracing services, please write to LflueLnam@-ynL.e-dcrgss.Q.rgun or contact the VNRC by phone: + 84 24 38224030 (Ext.128) (RFL responsible).
Family members who are in Viet Nam are advised to contact the nearest VNRC staff/office or to call its direct mobile number + 84 24 38224030 (Ext.128) (RFL responsible).
Situation
On 9 September, several Provinces in the North of Laos were affected by heavy flooding due to Typhoon Yagi, causing significant disruption and damage. The most severely affected provinces are Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Houaphan, Bokeo and Luang Phrabang.
The floodwaters led to the temporary closure of Luang Namtha Airport, leaving many residents stranded and severely affected. The first floor of the local hospital was also inundated. At least one man lost his life after initially escaping the flood but was swept away by strong currents when he retuned to assist others.
Local authorities were rapidly mobilized to evacuate residents to safer areas as water levels continued to rise. Many homes were damaged, and personal belongings were lost. Some residents had to stay in their homes due to the intense flooding, with reports indicating that individuals had to take refuge on their roofs to escape the rising waters.
Emergency response teams are working to provide aid and rescue those still trapped. Although water levels have started to decrease, many residents remain in urgent need of assistance. An assessment of their needs is currently under way in many locations.
Efforts continue to address the ongoing needs of affected communities and restore normalcy.
- In Sayaburi Province the 4 districts heavily affected are: Hongsa, Khop, Ngeun, and Xienghone districts.Swiss Red Cross is supporting the response in this province.
- In Houaphanh Province the 2 districts heavily affected are: Son and Hiem districts. IFRC is supportingthe assessment there.
- In Xiang Khuang Province the 2 districts heavily affected are: Kham and Mok May Districts. IFRC is supporting the assessment there.
- In Luang Prabang Province 2 cities are heavily affected. Financial assistance was provided, supported bythe Swiss Red Cross.
- BoKeo and Luang Namtha provinces are badly affected. These two provinces have not yet been assessed. It is planned for next week.
In all affected areas, mobile phone network seems to be working, however people cannot recharge their phones due to power cuts.
Movement’s Response
Food and Non-food Items have been distributed to affected populations in provinces affected by heavy floods(except for Bokeo and Luang Namtha which will be assessed soon). In Luang Prabang province cash was provided instead of material assistance. Assessments and distributions by the Lao Red Cross Society (LRCS)were supported by the Swiss Red Cross and the IFRC.
RFL needs and response
Currently, there has been no reports of missing or separated persons. However, the LRCS is currently undertaking an RFL needs assessment.
In all affected areas, mobile phone network seems to be working, however people cannot recharge their phones due to power cuts. Hence, communication means are an issue in the majority of the affected areas.
The Lao Red Cross stands ready to assist.
Instructions to the Family Links Network
The Lao Red Cross Society is accepting is accepting tracing requests which can be sent directly to the Lao RedCross Society via the proper channel (Aspera).
For inquiries about the tracing services, please write to: or contact the LRCS by phone: +856 20 9555 1821.
Family members who are in Laos are advised to contact the nearest LRCS staff/office or to call its direct mobile number +856 20 9555 1821.
