Plan International responds to Typhoon Yagi’s devastation across Southeast Asia

18 September 2024

Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia in 2024, has caused widespread destruction across Southeast Asia since its landfall last week.

The storm has impacted millions, leaving devastation from the Philippines to southern China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.

In response, Plan International has mobilised teams across the region to provide critical relief to children, their families and communities.

The destruction caused by Typhoon Yagi has been widespread, and devastating, especially for girls and young women who are often the most vulnerable. We are committed to standing by their side and working urgently to ensure they get the humanitarian assistance they need to rebuild their lives.
Vanda Lengkong, Regional Head of Humanitarian, Preparedness, Response and Resilience, Plan International Asia and the Pacific

“The destruction caused by Typhoon Yagi has been widespread, and devastating, especially for girls and young women who are often the most vulnerable. We are committed to standing by their side and working urgently to ensure they get the humanitarian assistance they need to rebuild their lives,” said Vanda Lengkong, Regional Head of Humanitarian, Preparedness, Response and Resilience, Plan International Asia and the Pacific.

Scale of the devastation

As of 17 September 2024, Typhoon Yagi has claimed over 500 lives and left thousands injured. Vietnam has been particularly affected, with nearly 300 deaths, 26 people missing, and over 235,000 homes damaged.

Myanmar has recorded at least 226 casualties and 77 people missing, while the Philippines has reported 21 deaths, according to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance.

Coordinating relief efforts across Southeast Asia

Plan International is coordinating relief efforts across Southeast Asia, tailoring responses to each country’s specific needs. In Vietnam and Laos, teams are conducting damage assessments, coordinating with governments, and distributing essential supplies, including hygiene kits containing sanitary products, soap, and other items to help women and girls maintain their health and dignity during the crisis.

“By working closely with local communities, volunteers, and governments, we will not only meet immediate needs but help these communities come back stronger,” Lengkong added.

In Myanmar, teams are closely monitoring the situation and working with humanitarian organisations to provide necessary support. A rapid needs assessment is also being completed in the Philippines.

In Thailand, Plan International is adapting existing programmes to provide support in areas such as education and child protection. This includes establishing temporary learning spaces for children whose schools have been damaged and offering psychosocial support to help children cope with the trauma of the disaster. The team is also working with local partners to ensure that recovery efforts are inclusive and reach the most vulnerable families.

Plan International will continue to provide immediate relief and fostering long-term recovery efforts, working to ensure that affected communities across Southeast Asia receive the vital support needed to rebuild and recover from the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi.

Plan International will continue to provide immediate relief and fostering long-term recovery efforts, working to ensure that affected communities across Southeast Asia receive the vital support needed to rebuild and recover from the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi.