Super Typhoon Yagi Causes Widespread Destruction in China and Vietnam

Super Typhoon Yagi, one of the most powerful storms of the year, struck China’s Hainan Province and northern Vietnam with devastating impact. This monstrous storm, the second-most powerful tropical cyclone globally this year, has wreaked havoc, causing multiple fatalities, significant property damage, and widespread evacuations.

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Storm Hits China’s Hainan Province

On Friday, Super Typhoon Yagi made landfall in Hainan, a tourist island province in southern China. The typhoon brought with it maximum sustained winds of up to 234 km/h (145 mph), making it one of the strongest cyclones of 2024. The storm caused severe disruptions across the island, including power outages affecting over 830,000 households. By Friday evening, authorities had managed to restore power to 260,000 homes.

The storm’s fury resulted in at least two deaths and 92 injuries in Hainan. It also prompted the evacuation of about 460,000 residents. The island’s main airport in Haikou was closed until 3 p.m. local time on Saturday. In response to the storm, flights and ferries were canceled, businesses shut down, and residents were advised to stay indoors.

Typhoon Yagi’s Impact on Hong Kong and Guangdong

The typhoon’s effects extended beyond Hainan. In Hong Kong, the stock exchange closed, and schools remained shut. Over 100 flights were canceled, and the city’s weather authorities issued a high typhoon warning. The world’s longest sea crossing bridge, connecting Hong Kong to Macau and Zhuhai in Guangdong, was reopened after being closed for a day.

In Guangdong Province, which borders Hainan, authorities evacuated over 574,000 residents. The typhoon’s intense winds and heavy rains caused significant damage to infrastructure and homes.

Typhoon Yagi Makes Landfall in Vietnam

After hitting China, Yagi continued its path towards Vietnam. On Saturday afternoon, it made landfall in northern Vietnam near Quang Ninh. With winds reaching up to 149 km/h (93 mph), the typhoon caused severe disruptions, including airport closures and extensive damage in Quang Ninh, known for its stunning Ha Long Bay.

In Vietnam, the storm resulted in the evacuation of over 420,000 people from Hainan and more than 500,000 from Guangdong. As Yagi crossed into Vietnam, it left at least four people dead and injured 78 others. The Vietnamese authorities have issued high-level disaster warnings and are preparing for potential flooding and landslides.

Regional Impact and Future Warnings

Typhoon Yagi’s impact has been profound, affecting millions of people across the region. The storm has caused significant property damage, disrupted daily life, and led to numerous evacuations. In the Philippines, where the storm initially caused landfalls, Yagi had already left 16 dead and caused widespread flooding and landslides.

Meteorologists warn that typhoons like Yagi are becoming more intense due to warmer ocean temperatures linked to climate change. Recent storms, including Typhoon Shanshan in Japan, have highlighted the increasing severity of these natural disasters.

Typhoon Ramasun (Glenda) Overview

Typhoon Ramasun, also known as Glenda, is remembered as a severe storm that struck in July 2014. This typhoon reached its peak intensity near Hainan on July 18.

Formation and Dissipation

• Formation or Impact: July 9, 2014
• Dissipation or Weakening: July 20, 2014

Typhoon Intensity

• Maximum Wind Speed: 165 km/h (105 mph) (10-minute sustained)
• Lowest Pressure: 935 hPa (millibar); 27.61 inHg
• Category: Equivalent to a Category 5 Super Typhoon

Intensity (SSHWS / JTWC)

• Maximum Wind Speed: 260 km/h (160 mph) (1-minute sustained)
• Lowest Pressure: 918 hPa (millibar); 27.11 inHg

Intensity (CMA)

• Maximum Wind Speed: 255 km/h (160 mph) (10-minute sustained)
• Lowest Pressure: 888 hPa (millibar); 26.22 inHg

Overall Impact

• Fatalities: Total of 225 people
• Damage: $8.08 billion (2014 USD)

Affected Areas

• Caroline Islands
• Mariana Islands
• Philippines
• South China
• Hong Kong
• Macau
• Vietnam
• Thailand

Typhoon Ramasun was a part of the 2014 Pacific Typhoon Season and is remembered for its intensity and widespread impact.

Conclusion

As Super Typhoon Yagi continues to move west, authorities in affected regions remain on high alert, monitoring the storm’s path and preparing for further impacts. The widespread damage and loss of life underscore the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies.