Eight major cultural and artistic activities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation Day are canceled or adjusted due to the impact of typhoon Yagi, according to the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports.

The Hanoi People's Committee's meeting on September 26 to discuss activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Capital's Liberation Day. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Hanoi this week decided to cancel the fireworks display planned for the evening of October 10, 2024, at 30 locations across the city, and the light show performance celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Capital's Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2024), Do Dinh Hong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture & Sports, told a meeting on September 26.

The city has adjusted the scale, schedule, and scope of eight commemorative events, he said.

Preparations are still in place to ensure the smooth organization of the "Cultural Festival for Peace", marking both the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation Day and the 25th anniversary of Hanoi’s recognition as a "City for Peace".

A national-level ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day will be held on October 10 at the National Convention Center, with approximately 3,000 delegates expected to attend, Hong noted.

Director Hong said that communication activities are well-done to raise public awareness of the 70th anniversary and promote Hanoi with its achievements in socio-economic, national defense and security over the past 70 years.

Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, said that the activities commemorating the anniversary must showcase the important role of the Capital for the entire nation.

Hanoi Mayor Tran Sy Thanh speaks at the meeting. Photo: The Hanoi Times

He requested that information and communication efforts should be further strengthened.

“These activities should reflect deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by the Party, government, soldiers and people of Hanoi, and those from other localities for the liberation of the Capital more than 70 years ago,” Chairman Thanh said.

On September 24, Hanoi decided to call off the firework performances across all 30 districts, towns, and communes, which were scheduled for the night of October 10, to focus on addressing the aftermath of typhoon Yagi.

The cancellation of large cultural and artistic activities during this period is a gesture of solidarity and support from Hanoi towards those affected by Typhoon Yagi.

Typhoon Yagi, one of the strongest storms ever recorded, struck Vietnam on September 7. The storm claimed the lives of approximately 330 people, left many missing, injured 1,900, and damaged or displaced over 234,000 houses and 1,500 schools and other facilities. The total damage from the typhoon and its aftermath is estimated at VND50 trillion (US$2 billion).

In Hanoi, Typhoon Yagi caused four deaths and 23 injuries. More than 40,000 trees were uprooted, and several areas experienced flooding, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.