However, the study also pointed out that it is necessary to pay attention to geological, tectonic and human activities, predicting possible disasters early in order to minimize risks.
Triggered earthquakes appear in parallel with the development of hydroelectric plants
According to the Institute of Geophysics, from the beginning of 2021 to April 22, 4, 2022 earthquakes occurred in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province. Particularly from April 169 to 15, 18 earthquakes of 4 - 22 magnitude were recorded. To date, although the frequency is less, earthquakes continue to occur.
Through summarizing reports of the local People's Committees, the earthquakes have not caused damage to people and properties, but have made people worried and insecure. The object of "interest" was the new Kon Tum Thuong hydropower plant which was put into operation at that time. Based on this exogenous factor and the characteristics of the intensity of earthquakes, seismologists have initially shown that the main cause of earthquakes is stimulated earthquakes due to the accumulation process. water from hydroelectric reservoirs.
Experts from the Institute of Geophysics said that a stimulated earthquake is a phenomenon that occurs when water is pumped into a hydroelectric lake causing a change in pressure and balance of forces in the ground. This can trigger fractures and displacement of rock formations, causing vibrations. This issue has been mentioned in many reports in Vietnam and around the world such as: The 6,3 magnitude earthquake occurred in Sichuan, China in 2008 due to the construction of Zipingpu reservoir, killing 80.000 people. People; 5,7 magnitude earthquake occurred in Oklahoma, USA in 2011 due to oil and gas exploitation and 6,3 magnitude earthquake occurred in Koyna, India in 1967 due to construction of Koyna reservoir...
In Vietnam, the provocative earthquakes can be mentioned as: The excited earthquake at Hoa Binh Lake, which occurred on May 23, 5, had a magnitude of 1989 Richter and was the first provocative earthquake. recorded in Vietnam. This earthquake is thought to be caused by the accumulation of water in Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir; Excited earthquakes at Son La Lake in 4,9 and continued to be recorded in recent years have occurred a series of irritating earthquakes with a magnitude of 2010 - 2,6 on the Richter scale and may continue...
Regarding the earthquake in Kon Tum recently, Mr. Ho Tien Chung said that it is necessary to pay attention to volcanic activity in the past 10.000 years. The possibility that earthquakes can cause volcanic eruptions cannot be ruled out. This is an important task that needs to be researched to prevent and have a response plan.
According to researchers from the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, we are gradually getting used to the occurrence of stimulating earthquakes along with the development of construction and exploitation of hydroelectric power plants around the world. country in recent times. Besides the great benefits brought by hydropower, there are still many disadvantages mentioned from social issues to construction. One of them is the problem of excited earthquakes.
Proposal for in-depth research on excited earthquakes
The authors of the Institute of Geosciences and Minerals have assessed the existing documents as well as surveyed and re-examined the geological, tectonic and geological features in the area applied to provide provide additional information and propose solutions, in-depth research on induced earthquakes.
The results show that, in addition to the risk of exciter earthquakes carrying endogenous factors, the expression of exogenous activities has also been recorded in previous investigation reports. From there, the authors propose further research directions in order to reduce risks in general and deal with minimizing risks of geological hazards caused by earthquakes in Kon Tum and surrounding areas.
According to Mr. Ho Tien Chung - Deputy Head of the Department of Tectonics and Geomorphology, Institute of Geosciences and Minerals, it is necessary to continue monitoring to have more detailed assessments on the problem of induced earthquakes. Accordingly, in the coming time, it is necessary to consider additional investigations and studies to clarify tectonic activities in the region and the relationship between tectonic activities and geological hazards, pipe floods, flash floods and landslides. activities in the area.
Specifically, it is necessary to add earthquake monitoring stations in high-risk areas, densely populated areas, and national key works; conducting research, assessing the impact of earthquakes on landslides and flash floods in the area; conducting research, assessing the existence of active faults and the level of safety of reservoirs and dams in the area; research on geological hazards related to active volcanoes in the Central and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam.
In addition, besides the solid works built according to the technical regulations, the civil works of the people are now "brick and tile" but the structure is often sketchy and does not comply with the technical regulations. Therefore, it is necessary to advise on the impact of earthquakes and the resistance of civil works in the area, to avoid loss of life and property.
“It is necessary to conduct research and evaluate the phenomenon of active faults, earthquakes and volcanoes as soon as possible because sooner or later, when the country develops, we also need to pay attention to the construction of large projects such as nuclear power. , new energy, etc., it is very necessary to invest in personnel training, prepare technical infrastructure to be able to stay ahead,” emphasized Mr. Ho Tien Chung.
