Vietnam death toll from Typhoon Yagi at 143 as Hanoi faces flood risk

The death toll in Vietnam from Typhoon Yagi has risen to 143, the government said on Wednesday, as it warned that flood waters were causing the Red River to rise rapidly and threaten to inundate downtown districts of the capital Hanoi.

Heavy rains brought by Typhoon Yagi have triggered deadly landslides and floods throughout northern Vietnam, killing 143 people with 59 others missing, the disaster management agency said. There has also been severe property damage and disruption to business and industry.

State media reports late on Tuesday said the water level of the Red River in Hanoi had been rising 10 cm every hour.

Some schools in Hanoi have told students to stay home for the rest of the week due to flood concerns, while thousands of residents living in low-lying areas have been evacuated, according to sources, government and state media.