Map of the area hit by a 5.0 magnitude earthquake in Dien Bien - Photo: Institute of Earth Sciences
Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online at noon on May 16, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Anh - Director of the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Center (Institute of Earth Sciences) - said that an earthquake had just occurred in Muong Cha district ( Dien Bien province).
At 11:17 am today, in Muong Cha district, a magnitude 5 earthquake occurred. The focal depth was about 10km.
Many people in Dien Bien and even Lao Cai also felt the aftershocks of this earthquake.
The Institute of Earth Sciences assessed this earthquake as having a level 2 natural disaster risk in the epicenter area.
Currently, the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Center (Institute of Earth Sciences) is continuing to monitor these earthquakes.
Ms. Thanh (in Dien Bien Phu city) said she was in her house when she felt the house shaking violently. "The house shook so strongly that I was worried it would collapse. Luckily the earthquake only lasted about 3-4 seconds," Ms. Thanh said.
"My family was eating when we heard the tray of dishes shaking, everyone dropped their bowls and ran outside," said Ms. Quàng Thị Loan (in Muong Cha district).
About 200km from the epicenter as the crow flies, Ms. Thuy (in Lao Cai city, Lao Cai province) said she also felt the earthquake's shaking. "I was lying down looking at my phone when I felt the bed shaking and shaking slightly for a few seconds."
In Vietnam, earthquakes with a magnitude of 5-5.9 are considered moderate earthquakes.
These earthquakes can cause moderate to severe damage to poorly designed structures; no damage or minor damage to well-designed structures; and can be fatal depending on the circumstances of the impact.
There are 1,000 to 1,500 earthquakes in the world every year.
Dien Bien has experienced 3 very large earthquakes.
In March 2022, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake occurred in Dien Bien Dong district (Dien Bien province).
Dien Bien province is located in the Northwest region, where there are two major seismic fault lines: Dien Bien - Lai Chau and Song Ma - Son La, so earthquakes often occur in the province.
According to historical data, 3 earthquakes of very large magnitude have occurred in Dien Bien with magnitudes ranging from 5.3 to 6.9, in 1935 (6.9 magnitude in Dien Bien basin); 1983 (6.7 magnitude in Tuan Giao town), 2001 (5.3 magnitude in Dien Bien Phu city), 2019 (4.3 magnitude in Muong Ang district).
The 5.3 magnitude earthquake in 2001 alone caused about 210 billion VND in damage and destroyed many structures.
WISDOM
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dong-dat-manh-5-do-o-dien-bien-20250516115336567.htm
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