Vietnam registers nearly 100 earthquakes in July

HANOI - Vietnam experienced close to 100 earthquakes nationwide in July.

Data from the Centre for Earthquake Alert and Tsunami Warning under the Institute of Geophysics showed that 93 quakes measured between 2.5 to 4.2 on the Richter scale.

The majority of them, approximately 90, were reported in Kon Plong district, situated in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum.

"Additionally, some were recorded in Quynh Nhai district in the northern province of Son La, Nam Tra My district in central Quang Nam province and Ba To district in the south-central province of Quang Ngai,” Vietnam News Agency reported.

Experts have assessed these earthquakes to be of small scale and not posing any immediate risks of natural disasters. However, they have advised against negligence and urged people to remain vigilant.

Notably, Kon Plong district has witnessed a higher intensity and frequency of earthquakes since the beginning of this year compared to previous years.

Since January, the district has encountered over 200 small-scale earthquakes ranging from 2.5 to 4.2 magnitude on the Richter scale, which are reportedly linked to the operations of hydropower plants in the area.

On July 7, a record of 14 earthquakes occurred in the district, with the most significant measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale. So far, no damage has been reported, but the seismic vibrations have affected local livelihoods.

To address the situation, the Institute of Geophysics has taken proactive measures, sending staff to Kon Plong district since June 2021 to establish additional earthquake monitoring stations to promptly issue warnings about dangerous geological phenomena.

In September 2022, three new earthquake warning and monitoring stations were successfully installed at the Thuong Kon Tum Hydropower Plant, bringing the total number of operational monitoring stations in the area to six. - BERNAMA