A billboard in Phạm Van Dong road in Do Son, Hai Phong is knocked down by the storm. - Photo: tuoitre.vn
HANOI: Typhoon Yagi made landfall in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong provinces on Saturday (Sept 7) afternoon, bringing with it strong winds of 118-149 kilometers per hour.
A widespread power outage affecting 238,000 customers in Quang Ninh was reported as a result of the storm.
Power restoration is expected once weather conditions improve.
Strong winds battered Quang Ninh province starting around 11am, causing widespread damage.
Metal roofs and other objects were blown into the sea, and numerous trees were uprooted.
The streets of Ha Long were deserted as the storm intensified.
Many boats anchored in Ha Long Bay were swept away by the powerful winds, highlighting the storm's destructive force.
Rain and Wind intensifying in Hai Phong
As of 12am, the storm's intensity in Hai Phong had increased significantly, with stronger winds and heavier rain.
Numerous trees and streetlights were uprooted, and debris littered the streets.
Heavy steel awnings, weighing hundreds of kilogrammes, were torn from buildings and fell onto the roads.
A team from the Hai Phong Road Maintenance Company worked tirelessly to clear roads and debris, ensuring traffic safety amidst the severe weather conditions.
Nguyen Van Nam, an employee of the company, described the challenging and dangerous conditions they faced as they cleared debris from the roads.
Despite the risks, Nam emphasised their commitment to maintaining road accessibility.
"Despite the dangers, we are dedicated to keeping the roads clear to prevent accidents," Nam said.
Emergency directives
On Saturday afternoon, the Ministry of Transport issued another emergency notice, calling on all agencies, departments, and provincial transport departments to focus on responding to storm No 3 and the subsequent heavy rain and flooding.
The ministry instructed these agencies and units to strictly adhere to the directives for storm preparedness previously issued.
They are to prepare personnel, equipment, machinery, and materials for storm and flood responses, ensuring that the "four on-site" principle is followed.
Special attention must be paid to the safety of people and equipment involved in storm and flood relief efforts.
According to the Vietnam Directorate for Roads, as of 11am on Saturday, the Road Management Unit 1 had closed Tan Vu - Lach Huyen Bridge to traffic, ensuring public safety ahead of the direct impact of typhoon Yagi on Hai Phong.
Local authorities also prohibited traffic on Bai Chay Bridge in Ha Long City (Quang Ninh) and Kien Bridge on National Route 10 (Hai Phong). - Vietnam News/ANN
