Typhoon Wutip Devastates Vietnam and Impacts China
Typhoon Wutip has inflicted significant damage across central Vietnam, resulting in loss of life and widespread flooding. The storm also impacted southern China, prompting evacuations and disruptions.
Impact in Vietnam
According to Vietnam's agriculture ministry, five people have died and two are missing due to the typhoon. The storm submerged over 70,000 hectares of vital farmland. The worst affected provinces were Quang Tri, with three fatalities, and Quang Binh, where two people remain unaccounted for.
Typhoon's Landfall in China
Wutip made landfall in southern China, initially bringing winds of up to 128 km/h. While it weakened into a tropical storm, it prompted significant precautionary measures. In China's Hainan province, authorities evacuated thousands of residents, closed schools, and suspended rail services.
Climate Change Concerns
Vietnam's agriculture ministry has highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in the country. They attribute this trend to climate change. The year 2024 witnessed a sharp rise in disaster-related fatalities, with 514 deaths compared to 2023. The impact of storms such as Typhoon Yagi, which caused billions in damages last year, serve as a reminder of the growing vulnerability.