The first storm of the season that hit Vietnam last week struck down thousands of trees in typhoon-affected provinces and cities.

A gum tree in Mieu Go hamlet of Ngọc Thanh Commune in northern Vinh Phuc’s Phuc Yen District fell onto electric wires, causing a power outage for the whole hamlet.

The tree’s owner, only identified as V.T.T by local media, was asked by the local electricity co-operative to pay VND1.5 million ($67) to repair the broken lines and restore power.

She was warned that if she did not pay, her family would be subject to a fine of up to VNĐ10 million ($445) and the power supply of the village would be cut.

Locals thought it was quite unreasonable.

The tree had grown before the electricity wires were installed, the tree’s owner said, adding that she had not heard any regulation regarding this kind of compensation.

VNS