After Super Typhoon Yagi

Typhoon Yagi made a near 90-degree turn on its path, sparing Taiwan but wreaking havoc across Southeast Asia. On September 2, 2024, it made landfall on Luzon Island in the Philippines, bringing landslides and floods. A major landslide occurred in the province of Rizal, just 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Manila. The Philippines endure an average of 20 typhoons every year, so local Tzu Chi volunteers have developed a rapid disaster response system. Following Typhoon Yagi, they distributed rice and other supplies to over 1,100 families and provided construction material vouchers to families in two severely affected barangays in Antipolo, helping them repair their homes.

Yagi made landfall in Hainan, China, on September 6, and gradually weakened as it moved into Vietnam. What was left of the storm combined with the region’s heavy rainy season while crossing Mainland Southeast Asia toward the Indian Ocean, triggering severe flooding and landslides in Myanmar and Thailand. Rivers overflowed, and landslides buried farmland in mountainous areas. By the time it was over, the disaster had claimed over 500 lives across Southeast Asia.

The government of Vietnam declared it the strongest typhoon to hit the country in 30 years. In its aftermath, Tzu Chi volunteers assessed damage in the northern provinces of Lào Cai and Yên Bái, where most victims were impoverished farmers. Some homes were nearly destroyed, with rebuilding nearly impossible for those living in disaster-prone areas. With government assistance, residents in those areas prepared to relocate. In mid-November, Tzu Chi provided cash aid to over 2,600 affected households to help them through this critical period.

In Thailand, the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai suffered the worst flooding in 80 years. Teachers and students from Chiang Mai Tzu Chi School were the first to respond, assessing damage, distributing aid, and assisting with cleanup. Volunteers from the Tzu Chi office in Bangkok soon followed, surveying conditions and providing relief in affected regions. They set up two distribution centers in mid-September in Mueang Chiang Rai and Mae Sai District, both in Chiang Rai Province. With the help of village leaders, they distributed daily necessities and cleaning tools. Volunteers also delivered supplies to remote villages in Mae Sai, areas often overlooked in relief efforts due to their small populations. They transported goods by truck and trekked into hard-to-reach areas to ensure no one was left behind.

In early October, volunteers returned to four districts in Chiang Rai Province to conduct further damage assessments and distribute aid. They hoped to reach as many people in need as possible. Accompanying them on part of their journey was an assistant to a village head in Mae Sai District, Saowalak, whose own home had been severely damaged. With her guidance, volunteers delivered supplies to affected residents. “My parents and other family members are busy restoring our house,” Saowalak shared, “but they fully support me going out to help the villagers. Although we were strangers before, you have shown us so much love, reaching out to us in our time of need. We are truly grateful and hold you in great affection.”

In addition to distributing relief goods, volunteers provided cash aid to over 2,100 affected households in October and November to support their rebuilding efforts. At the same time, they evaluated medium- and long-term reconstruction plans for Doi Laem in Mae Ai District and Mae Salong in Mae Fa Luang District. In Doi Laem, 28 households needed land to rebuild their homes. During one visit, volunteers were accompanied by Suradej, then deputy village head, to the mountaintop to survey the government’s proposed construction site. The official expressed gratitude for Tzu Chi’s dedication, noting that they were the only organization so far to have made the climb to the mountaintop to carefully assess the proposed land for rebuilding. He sincerely hoped to collaborate with the foundation to help villagers rebuild their homes.

The devastation from Typhoon Yagi was even more widespread in Myanmar than in Thailand. Floodwaters submerged low-lying areas in Naypyidaw, Mandalay Region, Bago Region, and Shan State. A total of 64 townships nationwide were affected, and essential infrastructure like roads and bridges sustained severe damage. In response, Tzu Chi volunteers provided emergency cash aid and launched a cash-for-work cleanup project in Tatkon Township, Naypyidaw. This initiative encouraged local residents to collaborate in clearing debris and restoring their villages, helping to speed up recovery.

Daw Thida Khin (李金蘭), head of Tzu Chi Myanmar, shared her experiences conducting relief efforts in Tatkon Township. In some areas, houses were wrecked and paths were blocked by trees that had been swept down from the mountains. Overwhelmed village heads, unsure of where to begin the cleanup efforts, admitted to feeling helpless. To inspire them and other local residents, Daw Thida Khin and her fellow volunteers shared Master Cheng Yen’s teaching: with unity and determination, even small ants can move great mountains—a principle central to Tzu Chi’s spirit.

At first hesitant, the villagers soon recognized the volunteers’ sincere intentions and joined the cleanup effort. They collected garbage using baskets and plastic bags salvaged from the debris, working together to restore their community. The cleanup in Tatkon Township lasted 20 days, ending on October 27. Residents contributed nearly 5,550 work shifts, significantly aiding the recovery of the area. Afterward, Tzu Chi launched a second phase of aid, distributing relief supplies to further support victims.

Southeast Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to global climate change. The areas impacted by Typhoon Yagi, primarily agricultural nations, suffered significant crop losses that threatened food security, drove up food prices, and deepened poverty and hunger. Severe damage to infrastructure further complicated relief efforts. Tzu Chi volunteers remain committed to standing by affected communities, helping them navigate their challenging journey of recovery.