On Monday morning, the Phong Chau Bridge in Phu Tho province, northern Vietnam, collapsed into the Red River, following the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi. The 375-meter-long bridge gave way under the severe weather conditions, sending at least 10 vehicles, including cars and motorbikes, plunging into the river. According to local reports, 13 people are currently missing. While Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc has yet to confirm any casualties, rescue operations are underway, with efforts being made to build a temporary pontoon bridge to restore access.
Impact of Typhoon Yagi
Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit the region in decades, made landfall on Saturday, causing widespread destruction across northern Vietnam. The storm has already claimed at least 64 lives, with severe flooding and landslides causing extensive damage. In addition to the bridge collapse, a passenger bus carrying 20 people was swept away by a landslide in Cao Bang province. Rescue operations have been complicated by blocked roads and continuous heavy rains.
Prime Minister’s Response
In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has announced emergency aid packages and instructed the military to prioritize rescue and recovery efforts. The typhoon has also led to significant disruptions in northern Vietnam’s industrial areas. Factories have suffered power outages and severe damage, with many losing electricity. By Monday, more than 75 percent of the power had been restored, though millions remain without electricity.
Damage to Industrial Zones
The industrial city of Haiphong has been particularly hard-hit. Roofs of factories have been torn off, and production facilities have been flooded. South Korean conglomerate LG Electronics, which has factories in Haiphong, reported significant damage but no casualties among its employees. The Vietnam Meteorological Agency has issued warnings about continued risks of flooding and landslides, with recent rainfall in the region reaching between 208 and 433 mm in just 48 hours.
Viral Video Captures Collapse
A video clip showing the dramatic collapse of the Phong Chau Bridge has gone viral. The footage, captured by a dashcam, reveals the moment a lorry fell into the Red River as the bridge decking collapsed. Survivors, like Nguyen Minh Hai, who was riding his motorcycle across the bridge, recounted their terrifying experiences. Hai described feeling as if he had narrowly escaped death.
Ongoing Efforts and Concerns
With over 59,000 people displaced in Yen Bai province due to the floods, authorities are continuing rescue and recovery efforts. Floodwaters in Hanoi have reached levels not seen since 2008, and more heavy rain is expected. As search operations for the missing continue, the full extent of Typhoon Yagi’s impact is still unfolding.
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