Bridge collapses in northern Vietnam amid deadly storm and flooding

A devastating landslide struck the village of Lang Nu in Lao Cai province, northern Vietnam, early on Tuesday, triggered by heavy rains from Typhoon Yagi. The disaster resulted in at least 30 fatalities, with 65 individuals still unaccounted for. Survivors, like Hoang Thi Bay, faced unimaginable loss as their homes were swept away by the mud and debris. The village, home to 37 households, was a close-knit community primarily composed of the Tay ethnic group. Rescue operations are underway, with hundreds of soldiers and police working tirelessly to recover bodies buried under the thick mud. The search efforts have already uncovered several children among the deceased, highlighting the tragedy's impact on families. The community, which had never experienced such severe flash floods and landslides before, is now left in shock and mourning. The torrential rains have caused rivers to overflow, leading to widespread flooding across northern Vietnam and neighboring countries, including Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. The storm, described as the strongest to hit the region in three decades, has resulted in over 150 deaths nationwide. The destruction has left many survivors questioning their future in the area, as the risk of further disasters looms large. In the aftermath, residents like Bay express their despair, having lost everything they owned. The emotional toll on the community is profound, with many grappling with the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their homes. As recovery efforts continue, the village faces the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amidst the devastation.