Typhoon Yagi Diary by Phuong Linh: 10 Hours of Losing Contact with My Family and 3 Valuable Lessons

My name is Phuong Linh, I am 20 years old. I was born and raised in Hai Phong City. Life here is closely tied to nature, with vast oceans and winds that carry the breath of the sea. People mainly rely on fishing and port work, which depend mainly on nature, and recently have become even more challenging due to climate change. 

Typhoon Yagi is a typical example. Before the typhoon hit, people in my hometown prepared meticulously, but no one could anticipate its destructive power. 

As Typhoon Yagi made landfall, everything seemed to turn into a nightmare. Although people had been evacuated to safety, the horrific scenes outside still filled everyone with fear. Trees were uprooted, metal roofs flew through the wind, the storm howled, and waves continuously crashed onto the shore. 

I study in Ha Noi, so I was not with my family on the day the typhoon hit. I vividly remember the feeling of terror when I could not contact my family for 10 hours. I held my breath every single time a strong gust came against the window, wondering if my family was okay, if our home remained intact after the typhoon, and if people in our village were safe. The next morning, after the typhoon passed, I was relieved to finally reach my family, but I learned that the entire city was in ruins. Fields were flooded, many homes were left in shambles, and transportation was disrupted. 

The experience with Typhoon Yagi left me with many emotions and reflections. First and foremost is the appreciation for life and the simple things we often take for granted, like a sturdy home or a fulfilling meal. I also learned the importance of preparation when facing natural disasters. Nature, with all its beauty and power, can bring about unpredictable calamities. It's crucial for us to remain vigilant and be well-prepared—not just materially, but also mentally. 

Additionally, I recognized the strength of community in supporting one another through difficulties. No matter how fierce the storm, human connection and compassion always shine through. 

After Typhoon Yagi, I hope to see a change in how we protect the environment and prepare for natural disasters. Climate change is making storms more severe, and only by working together to protect our planet can we minimize negative impacts. I hope local governments will invest more in disaster-resistant infrastructure, and that every citizen will become more aware of the importance of environmental protection. 

I especially want to encourage those who are recovering from the typhoon: keep your spirits up and work together to rebuild your lives. Unity and optimism will be our greatest strengths in overcoming all challenges.