Nearly 300 earthquakes occurred in 8 months of 2023

Of the nearly 300 earthquakes, 95% occurred in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province. Notably, in July 2023 alone, 93 earthquakes occurred nationwide with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 4.2 on the Richter scale. Of these, about 90 induced earthquakes occurred in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province. The remaining earthquakes occurred in Quynh Nhai district, Son La province; Nam Tra My district, Quang Nam province; Ba To district, Quang Ngai province. The peak was on July 7, when 15 consecutive earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 4.2 on the Richter scale occurred in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province.

In August 2023, the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Center also recorded nearly 40 earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 3.6 on the Richter scale, mainly earthquakes occurring in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province.

On the morning of August 31, two earthquakes occurred, the first of which occurred in Tien Yen district, Quang Ninh province with a natural disaster risk level of 0; the other occurred in Kon Plong district with a magnitude of 3.3. The Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Center of the Institute of Geophysics is still monitoring these earthquakes.

Previously, in July 2023, the country also experienced 93 earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 4.2. Of these, about 90 induced earthquakes occurred in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province. The remaining earthquakes occurred in Quynh Nhai district, Son La province; Nam Tra My district, Quang Nam province; Ba To district, Quang Ngai province.

Director of the Institute of Geophysics Nguyen Xuan Anh said that the above earthquakes were small earthquakes, although they did not pose a risk of natural disasters, we cannot be subjective.

Among them, the earthquakes that occurred in Kon Tum were reservoir-induced earthquakes, basically related to water storage, in a certain cycle. Therefore, there were consecutive earthquakes occurring within a few days.

At the end of 2022, the Institute of Geophysics put into operation 8 earthquake observation stations in Kon Tum. These stations provide important data sources to assess earthquake activities here. In addition, the Institute also organizes propaganda and guides earthquake response skills for managers and people in Kon Tum province, as well as neighboring areas, to respond and minimize damage when earthquakes occur.

According to preliminary studies, earthquakes in Kon Tum are expected to continue in the coming time, but are unlikely to be greater than 5.5 on the Richter scale.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh said that scientists have not been able to predict the exact time of an earthquake, even in many advanced countries in the world, but it is possible to assess the level of danger (maximum magnitude, frequency...) for each specific area and on that basis, propose appropriate earthquake prevention plans.

In order to have a basis for forecasting the trend of future earthquake activity and magnitude, and assessing the potential for damage to civil and hydroelectric works, the Institute of Geophysics will continue to survey, monitor, and conduct detailed research on tectonic geology and seismic regimes in the Kon Tum area and surrounding areas. In addition, the Institute will promptly notify the authorities and people in the area of earthquake activity.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh also recommended that people and local authorities pay attention to earthquake-resistant factors in construction; regularly disseminate and guide people on measures to prevent, avoid and minimize damage when strong earthquakes occur./.

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