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| Thanh Thuy farmers took care of Tet chrysanthemums after the floods |
More than 43,000 chrysanthemum pots were damaged
Thanh Thuy Ward has over 3,100 households with more than 11,500 residents, who were heavily affected by the natural disaster in late October and early November. Specifically, over 80% of the chrysanthemum growing area for Tet in (formerly) Thuy Thanh area was flooded, with 125 households suffering damages to more than 43,000 pots. This figure represents not only a significant economic loss, but also the grief of many families who rely on flower farming as their primary livelihood at the end of each year.
Following Mr. Van Dinh Kha, Head of Van The Thuong residential group, we clearly felt the sorrow of the locals. Amidst fields that were once lush and green, there now remain only rows of pots stained with mud and water; most of the plants have fallen down and cannot be saved.
Mr. Kha stated that in his residential group, 45 out of 47 chrysanthemum-growing households were deeply flooded, affecting nearly 15,000 pots. It was not just flowers; nearly 3,000 m² of vegetable crops were also ruined by the floodwaters. “The flood rose in just a few hours; we could not react in time. Flower growers could only stand and watch as the water rose to submerge the whole gardens,” said Mr. Kha.
Mr. Van Bac Tien, a long-time flower grower in Van The Thuong, stood beside his damaged chrysanthemum pots, said in a noticeably lowered voice: “The flood rose too fast and lasted a whole week. No matter how high I placed the pots, the water reached them. Over 700 chrysanthemum pots are completely dead. My wife and I borrowed money to buy seeds, fertilizer, rent land, and run electricity... totaling tens of millions of VND. Now, we consider it a total loss.” For many households in Thanh Thuy, the Tet flower crop is not only the largest source of income for the year, but also the money intended to pay debts, cover living expenses, and pay for their children's education. Losing the flower crop means that the entire family will lose a significant source of livelihood.
In Van The Trung residential group, the scene is equally bleak. Puddles still stagnate in the flower fields as Mr. Phan Cong Ty and his wife diligently pick out dead plants to prevent rot from spreading to the pots they still hope to save. This year, Mr. Ty planted 1,100 chrysanthemum pots; although he had placed them high beforehand, the massive flood still submerged them all. “Currently, I have lost over 200 pots completely. For the rest, I am trying to care for them to save whatever I can,” sadly said Mr. Ty.
“Where there's life, there's hope”
As soon as the water receded, the people rushed to the fields. Some rebuilt trellis, some changed the soil, others sprayed root stimulants and lifted each pot to let it dry. At night, lights shine across the fields like small streaks of brightness amidst the dark and damp atmosphere. Everyone simply hopes to keep whatever plants have survived. However, that hope is quite fragile, as most plants have root rot from being submerged too long; on some pots, the plants drop their leaves at the slightest touch, their entire roots are turning black.
Despite the exhaustion, no one gave up. The people maintain a resilient and hardworking spirit. Some people sit meticulously picking off damaged leaves, others replace soil, nurturing every surviving sprout as if holding onto a small glimmer of hope. They understand that no matter how hard they try, this year's Tet flower crop will hardly meet expectations. But if they give up now, they will lose everything.
Walking along the fields after the floods, it is easy to catch sight of people carrying flower pots gently, as if they are afraid of breaking them; or young men are clearing mud while driving in extra stakes to keep the plants from falling. Some families have mobilized all members to participate: adults do the heavy work, while the younger ones help pick leaves and pour clean water to wash away the clinging mud. Amidst their conversation, they still talk about Tet, and about the hopes that may be waiting ahead.
Mr. Tran Trung, Vice Chairman of the Ward People's Committee, stated that the locality has been urgently compiling damage statistics, and at the same time, coordinating with unions to mobilize support for seeds and fertilizer, and providing technical guidance on recovering flowers after flooding. “We are trying to support people to stabilize production soon, even though we know the damage this time is immense. It is not just about trying to restore the supply of chrysanthemums for Tet, but helping people recover to prepare for the next crops,” shared Mr. Trung.
The Lunar New Year is approaching, but on many flower beds, the brilliant yellow color may not bloom on time this year. Thanh Thuy people are still caring for their remaining flower pots day by day, not only to salvage the labor they have invested, but also to preserve a traditional profession and a belief that after hardships, they will create a new and more beautiful flower season.