Typhoon Yagi collapses busy bridge in Vietnam

Although it has weakened into a tropical depression, authorities have warned of more flooding and landslides as the storm moves westwards.

In the Yen Bai province, flood waters reached a metre (three feet) high on Monday, with 2,400 families moved to higher ground as the water levels rose, AFP news agency reported.

Yagi also sunk and swept adrift dozens of fishing boats. On Sunday, search and rescue personnel found 27 people drifting at sea after a dozen fishermen were reported missing.

Nearly 50,000 people have been evacuated from coastal towns in Vietnam, with authorities issuing a warning to remain indoors.

Schools were temporarily closed in 12 northern provinces, including Hanoi.

Before hitting Vietnam, Yagi left 24 people dead across southern China and the Philippines.

Scientists say typhoons and hurricanes are becoming stronger, more frequent and staying over land for longer due to climate change. Warmer ocean waters mean storms pick up more energy, which leads to higher wind speeds.

A warmer atmosphere also holds more moisture, which can lead to more intense rainfall.