Hanoi cancels firework displays to focus on typhoon Yagi recovery

Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, announced the decision at a meeting Tuesday, saying it reflects the city's sense of responsibility to act for national interests.

While cultural and artistic events will still be held, the city's People's Committee will review and adjust the scale of these events to ensure they remain practical, Hoai said.

On Monday, the Hanoi Capital Command proposed limiting fireworks displays for the anniversary of Hanoi's liberation from the French in 1954 to a single location in downtown Hoan Kiem District, canceling displays in the other 29 districts to prioritize recovery efforts from typhoon Yagi and aid affected communities.

The Ministry of National Defense on Saturday also canceled a military parade for the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Festival, in solidarity with those recovering from the storm's devastation.

Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Vietnam’s northern coast on Sept. 7, with wind speeds reaching 149 kph, making it the strongest storm to hit Vietnam in three decades. It passed through Hanoi later that day.

The storm resulted in significant losses, with 299 deaths and 34 people still missing across the northern region. Heavy rains caused widespread flooding in 20 of 25 northern provinces, affecting more than 70,000 households.

In Hanoi, Yagi left four dead, 23 injured, uprooted over 40,000 trees, and caused severe flooding in multiple areas, displacing thousands of residents.