Vietnam deploys 450,000 military personnel to brace for super typhoon Yagi

The super typhoon has prompted widespread emergency measures to mitigate its potentially devastating impact.

In Co To Island of Quang Ninh Province, border guards have been actively assisting residents in securing their homes and boats. The island is forecast to be one of the first areas in Vietnam to face Yagi’s wrath. By Friday morning, residents had already begun dismantling tourist tents and reinforcing structures. With gales strong enough to potentially sink large ships, the local authorities are on high alert, ready to respond to any emergency.

In response to the approaching storm, Vietnam has deployed an impressive force of over 450,000 military personnel. This includes nearly 100,000 soldiers, over 318,000 militiamen, and close to 40,000 reserve force members. More than 10,000 vehicles have also been mobilized to support disaster response efforts. These forces are being dispatched across vulnerable regions, including key sectors such as electricity, coal, and road management, to ensure swift and effective action when the typhoon strikes.

In Hanoi, preparations are in full swing to protect residents from the expected heavy rainfall and strong winds. The Ba Dinh District People's Committee has directed several wards to prepare for the possible evacuation of residents from older, hazardous buildings. Areas outside the Red River dyke, which are prone to flooding, are under close surveillance, with evacuation plans ready to be executed if necessary. Businesses operating on inland waterways have suspended their activities to prevent accidents.

The looming storm has led to significant disruptions in transportation. Hanoi Railway Transport JSC has suspended several train services between Hanoi and Hai Phong, as well as between Hanoi and Vinh, to avoid the typhoon’s impact. Additionally, over 300 flights have been canceled across northern Vietnam, affecting both domestic and international travel. This includes services at major airports in Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Thanh Hoa.

As the storm approaches, residents in Hanoi and Hai Phong have flocked to supermarkets to stock up on food and essential supplies. In some areas, demand has surged by 350%, with shelves quickly emptying despite continuous restocking efforts.

In anticipation of the storm, coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Nghe An have imposed sea bans, prohibiting boats from setting sail. The Border Guard Command has successfully guided over 51,000 boats to safe shelters, ensuring the safety of nearly 220,000 people. These measures are crucial as the Gulf of Tonkin, where many of these boats were located, is expected to face dangerous conditions as Yagi makes its approach.

Packing winds of more than 200 km per hour, super typhoon Yagi is assessed as the strongest storm in the South China Sea in 30 years.