(VOVWORLD) - At around noon Saturday, typhoon Yagi made landfall in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds reaching levels 11-12, with gusts up to level 13 and a maximum wind speed of approximately 133 km/h. Earlier in the morning, Co To Island, Van Don in Quang Ninh province and Bach Long Vi and Do Son in Hai Phong experienced intense rain and wind, toppling trees and tearing down advertising signs and metal roofs. In Van Don, some fishing boats were swept out to sea.
 Typhoon Yagi hits Hai Phong, Quang Ninh with powerful winds of level 13 |
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on Saturday visited the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting to assess the situation. He urged the General Department of Hydro-Meteorology to provide timely and accurate updates as the storm progressed, with more frequent updates. He also called for specific forecasts for coastal and inland areas to enable local authorities to prepare appropriately.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said: “Hydrological agencies need to provide updates more frequently, from every three hours to every two or one hour, or even sooner if needed. Relevant ministries must remain vigilant, coordinate closely, and prepare to ensure smooth operations as the storm arrives."
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep reported that reservoirs in the North have been lowered to flood level, while the sea and river dyke systems could face overflow due to large waves and floods. Localities have already put response plans in place. Mr. Doan Thai Duc, Director of the Rescue and Relief Department, said the Ministry of National Defense has mobilized nearly 100,000 officers, soldiers, and hundreds of specialized vehicles, ready to respond to any emergencies caused by Typhoon Yagi.
Nguyen Van Huong, Head of the Weather Forecast Department at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, urged for caution, warning of the high risk of flooding and flash floods due to heavy rainfall expected in many areas. He said: "This afternoon and tonight, heavy rain will spread to the Northwest region, continuing until around next Monday. Total rainfall is expected to be 150-350mm, with some areas exceeding 500mm. The Northern region faces a high risk of flooding, and mountainous provinces in the Northern Midlands, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An are particularly vulnerable to flash floods and widespread landslides."
Hai Phong city shut off power throughout the city. In Quang Ninh, around 40% of customers experienced power outages. The Northern Power Corporation reported that the storm has disrupted electricity for over 283,000 customers in Quang Ninh.
In both Hai Phong and Quang Ninh, the typhoon's strong winds have caused significant damage, with numerous trees toppled, many roofs blown off, and phone signals disrupted. According to Mr. Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, typhoon Yagi is expected to continue its impact throughout the afternoon and evening, primarily affecting Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and nearby provinces before moving further inland.