Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

More than 100 individuals, including a Catholic religious sister, remain missing after Typhoon Yagi struck northern Vietnam, resulting in at least 233 fatalities. Sister Maria Nguyen Thi Bich Hang from the Lovers of the Holy Cross congregation is presumed dead by her family.

"We have not yet found her body because the river is still flooded on both sides," said Anna Nguyen Thi Linh, the nun's younger sister.

On September 9, heavy rains caused the collapse of Phong Chau Bridge over the Red River in Phu Tho province. Eight people, including Sister Maria Nguyen, were swept away. Her family located her motorcycle and luggage containing identification cards and her driver's license approximately six miles from the bridge.

Typhoon Yagi, with winds reaching up to 92 mph, hit northern Vietnam from September 7-11. In addition to the death toll, landslides and floods injured 807 people and left 103 missing, according to government reports.

In a telegram dated September 12 and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis expressed his sadness over the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi. He offered his "spiritual solidarity to the injured and to all those suffering."

The church and government agencies have been providing aid to victims across 20 of Vietnam's 25 northern provinces. Father Anthony Vu Thai San, director of Caritas in Hung Hoa Diocese in Phu Tho province, stated that Caritas workers are distributing essential supplies such as instant noodles, milk, rice, and clean water. However, accessing some areas remains challenging due to inundated roads.

Father San also highlighted that a lack of electricity, water supply systems, and communication networks has compounded difficulties for relief efforts.

In Hung Hoa Diocese alone, dozens of volunteers have mobilized to assist those affected. The diocesan website described "thousands of houses...submerged in rushing floods" and reported significant livestock losses. Despite these challenges, there has been an outpouring of support from across the country.

"The beautiful gestures have been constantly pouring in," noted the diocesan website. "Each convoy follows each other towards the flood zone...bringing warmth and hope."

The capital Hanoi along with Hai Phong and thirteen northern provinces were severely impacted; nearly 188,125 homes were damaged along with almost 618,000 acres (250,000 hectares) of crops.

Hung Hoa Diocese recorded the highest number of casualties with a total count reaching 248 dead or missing individuals.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Nu village in Lao Cai province’s Bao Uyen district on September 12 following landslides that buried it three days prior. Sixty-three villagers were rescued while forty-five were confirmed dead; fifty remained missing.

Teresa Do Thi Lien from Vinh City mentioned using three trucks to deliver emergency relief supplies to Tran Yen district in Yen Bai province: “It is a gesture of solidarity with our brothers and sisters,” she told UCA News.

Other dioceses including Hanoi Archdiocese along with Bac Ninh, Lang Son Cao Bang and Hai Phong dioceses have urged people for support. Father Peter Sanen Nguyen Van Hieu from Hai Phong Diocese emphasized plans for financial assistance for fishermen farmers among others who lost their homes or face additional hardships ahead: “We plan to provide financial assistance,” he said.

Bishop Joseph Chau Ngoc Tri of Lang Son Cao Bang noted mobilizing benefactors aimed at aiding ethnic students within remote areas affected by flooding which already claimed lives totaling $80 million worth damages earlier this year before Typhoon Yagi hit causing further destruction throughout Vietnam’s northern regions.