Thousands of peach blossom trees in Hanoi, which are about to be sold to the market for next year’s Tet holiday, have withered due to waterlogging caused by local construction projects.

The situation has plagued peach blossom farmers in Dong Ngac Ward, Bac Tu Liem District over the past week.

About 3,000 trees have been affected, with farmers now scrambling to save the very few trees that are still alive.

Locals attributed the issue to waterlogging, as nearby construction works had blocked the drainage of water along local ditches.

They also demanded that local authorities and developers of such projects pay compensation for the heavy damage.

The People’s Committee in Dong Ngac Ward is now verifying the case and has asked for support from the district administration.

The Dong Ngac People’s Committee has also requested developers of nearby constructions to pay the farmers VND35,000 (US$1.5) for each affected tree.

However, the farmers considered that the compensation is measly, as a peach blossom tree can fetch up to VND2 million ($86) on the market if it meets certain esthetic standards.

Regarding the long-term solution, the ward administration said it will work with project developers to dredge local ditches to improve water drainage in the area.

Peach blossoms and yellow apricot flowers are considered hallmarks in the celebration of the Lunar New Year, or Tet, holiday in Vietnam.

They are often displayed in homes and offices as decorations due to their beauty and characteristic of blossoming during Tet.

The 2020 Lunar New Year will fall on January 25.

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