In response to the catastrophic impact of Typhoon Yagi, India has launched Operation Sadbhav to provide urgent humanitarian relief to the countries hit hardest by the natural disaster. The typhoon, which has claimed more than 200 lives so far, wreaked havoc across Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar.
1. Typhoon Yagi’s Path of Destruction:
Typhoon Yagi made its initial landfall in the Philippines, bringing winds of up to 149 kph (92 mph) and causing extensive damage. The storm, one of the most powerful to hit the region in decades, continued its westward journey, affecting southern China before devastating parts of Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. Despite weakening, heavy rains persist, causing rivers to overflow and exacerbating the flood situation.
2. Indian Relief Efforts:
India has mobilized substantial humanitarian aid for the affected countries. The Indian government has allocated USD 10,00,000 in aid for Vietnam and USD 1,00,000 for Laos. A C-17 military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force has already delivered 10 tonnes of relief supplies to Laos, with 35 tonnes more on its way to Vietnam.
3. Diplomatic Support:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences and offered solidarity to Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh following the typhoon. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also conveyed sympathies to Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
4. Indian Navy’s Rapid Deployment:
The Indian Navy has initiated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Myanmar’s Yangon. The Eastern Naval Command efficiently loaded HADR pallets, including essential supplies such as drinking water, rations, and medicines, onto an Indian naval warship in Visakhapatnam for deployment to Yangon.
5. Myanmar’s Crisis:
The death toll in Myanmar has reached 74, with 89 people still missing. The typhoon has displaced approximately 240,000 individuals, adding to the 3.4 million already displaced due to the ongoing civil war.
6. Vietnam’s Extensive Damage:
In Vietnam, the death toll has risen to at least 226 due to landslides and floods caused by the typhoon. The disaster has inflicted severe damage on factories and infrastructure throughout the country.
7. Tragic Flooding in Vietnam:
A flash flood in northern Vietnam’s Lao Cai province destroyed the Lang Nu hamlet, burying 35 families in mud and debris. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 30 people from the village.
8. Flooding in Thailand:
Severe flooding has also been reported in Thailand’s northern Chiang Rai province. Numerous riverside villages have been submerged, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
9. Continued Weather Alerts:
Authorities across the affected countries have issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall. Emergency response teams are on high alert, coordinating efforts to manage the ongoing crisis and provide swift aid.
Operation Sadbhav represents a significant international effort to mitigate the impact of Typhoon Yagi and support the affected nations during this critical time.
Sources By Agencies
