Earthquake near the Vietnam-Laos border

On the morning of November 17th, the Institute of Earth Sciences (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) announced a 3.9 magnitude earthquake in Laos, approximately 2.5km from the Vietnamese border.

Scientists from the Institute of Earth Sciences analyze the earthquake phenomenon. (Photo: Provided)

Specifically, the earthquake occurred in Houaphan Province, Laos (approximately 2.5km from the Vietnamese border in Na Meo commune, Thanh Hoa province) at 00:02:24 on November 17, 2025 ( Hanoi time); coordinates 20.374 degrees North latitude - 104.600 degrees East longitude; focal depth approximately 16km; disaster risk level 0.

Houaphan Province (Laos), bordering Thanh Hoa (Vietnam), lies on the Ma River fault zone, which extends from Dien Bien and Lai Chau down to Quan Son (Thanh Hoa) and into Laos. This area frequently experiences minor earthquakes due to the activity of the fault zone.

Earlier, on the night of November 12th, an earthquake occurred in Houaphan province, Laos, approximately 5km from the Vietnamese border in Na Meo commune, Thanh Hoa province. The disaster risk level was classified as level 1. Despite being at level 1 (on a 5-level scale) – the lowest level – many residents in Thanh Hoa province and Hanoi still clearly felt the tremors, especially in high-rise apartment buildings.

According to scientists, earthquakes with a magnitude of 4-5 are considered mild but can still cause shaking, especially in areas with tall buildings. These earthquakes usually cause little to no damage.

In Vietnam, earthquakes with a magnitude of 4-5 are considered mild. When they occur, household items may shake slightly, and many people inside feel the tremors clearly, while those outside only experience fleeting vibrations. Generally, earthquakes with a magnitude of 4-5 cause little to no damage, or very minor damage at all. Globally, an average of 10,000-15,000 earthquakes of this intensity level are recorded each year.

Experts from the Institute of Earth Sciences advise that during an earthquake, people should remain calm and hold onto door frames or take shelter under tables if in a structurally sound building. If outdoors, people should stay away from power lines and utility poles, and run to open areas. If driving, people should try to pull over to the side of the road and stop…

NGOC HIEU

Source: https://nhandan.vn/dong-dat-gan-bien-gioi-viet-nam-lao-post923591.html