Boats in Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh drifting in the sea, despite being in an anchor spot. Photo screen captured from Tuổi Trẻ Newspaper's video.

HÀ NỘI — Typhoon Yagi made landfall in Quảng Ninh and Hải Phòng provinces on Saturday afternoon, bringing with it strong winds of 118-149 kilometers per hour.

A widespread power outage affecting 238,000 customers in Quảng Ninh was reported as a result of the storm. Power restoration is expected once weather conditions improve.

Strong winds battered Quảng 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 Hạ Long were deserted as the storm intensified.

Many boats anchored in Hạ Long Bay were swept away by the powerful winds, highlighting the storm's destructive force.

Trees fell and advertisement panels were blown away by the strong winds in Quảng Ninh Province as the typhoon makes landfall this afternoon. — VNA/VNS Photo Đức Hiếu

A restaurant has its front billboard and roof collapsed in Quảng Ninh as Typhoon Yagi approaches. Photo thanhnien.vn

Typhoon Yagi uproots tree in Quảng Ninh. Photo thanhnien.vn

A billboard in Phạm Văn Đồng road in Đồ Sơn, Hải Phòng is knocked down by the storm. Photo tuoitre.vn

Rain and Wind intensifying in Hải Phòng

As of 12am, the storm's intensity in Hải Phòng 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 kilograms, were torn from buildings and fell onto the roads.

A team from the Hải Phòng Road Maintenance Company worked tirelessly to clear roads and debris, ensuring traffic safety amidst the severe weather conditions.

Nguyễn Văn 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 Tân Vũ - Lạch Huyện Bridge to traffic, ensuring public safety ahead of the direct impact of typhoon Yagi on Hải Phòng. Local authorities also prohibited traffic on Bãi Cháy Bridge in Hạ Long City (Quảng Ninh) and Kiền Bridge on National Route 10 (Hải Phòng). — VNS