Typhoon Yagi caused significant economic losses of $1.6 billion in Vietnam, as reported by state media on Monday. The UN’s World Food Programme also highlighted that the floods triggered by the typhoon in Myanmar were the most severe in the country’s recent history.
Yagi affected Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand with powerful winds and heavy rainfall, resulting in floods and landslides that have led to over 400 casualties, according to official data.
The typhoon struck Vietnam’s Red River delta, damaging factories, infrastructure, and agricultural land in the densely populated region. Initial government assessments estimated economic losses of 40 trillion dong ($1.6 billion) in Vietnam.
In Vietnam, the death toll reached 292 with 38 missing, over 230,000 homes damaged, and 280,000 hectares of crops destroyed. In Myanmar, the ruling junta reported 113 fatalities and more than 320,000 people displaced into temporary relief camps.
“Super Typhoon Yagi has caused unprecedented floods in Myanmar, impacting most of the country,” said Sheela Matthew, WFP’s representative in Myanmar. The exact impact on agriculture is still uncertain, but food security is expected to be severely affected.
Myanmar has faced severe flooding in recent years, with devastating events in 2011, 2015, and Cyclone Nargis in 2008. The latest crisis has prompted the junta to seek foreign aid, with India providing 10 tonnes of essential supplies.
The military in Myanmar has previously hindered foreign assistance efforts, including after Cyclone Mocha in 2020. The country was already dealing with displacement due to years of conflict between the junta and armed opposition groups.
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