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| According to experts, the most important factor causing the recent high frequency of earthquakes is the operation of large hydroelectric reservoirs. (Illustration photo. Source: VNA) |
On the morning of June 2, information from the Institute of Earth Sciences (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) said that in May 2025, 31 earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 5 occurred nationwide, mainly concentrated in the "earthquake hotspot" areas of Kon Tum and Quang Nam provinces.
Updated data from the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Center - Institute of Earth Sciences, shows that out of a total of 31 earthquakes that occurred last May, 14 occurred in Kon Plong district ( Kon Tum province); 13 earthquakes occurred in Nam Tra My district (Quang Nam province).
In addition, three earthquakes occurred in Muong Cha district, Dien Bien province; the remaining earthquake occurred in Phuoc Son district, Quang Nam province.
In particular, some days had many consecutive earthquakes such as: On May 25, there were 8 earthquakes with magnitudes from 2.5 to 4.2; on May 27, there were 7 earthquakes with magnitudes from 2.6 to 4; on May 28, there were 6 earthquakes with magnitudes from 2.6 to 3.7; on May 26, there were 6 earthquakes with magnitudes from 2.5 to 3.4; on May 16, there were 2 earthquakes with magnitudes from 4-5.
Explaining the cause of earthquakes at the above “hot spots”, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh - Director of the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Center, Deputy Director of the Institute of Earth Sciences, said that Kon Tum and Quang Nam often experience earthquakes mainly due to a combination of natural geological factors and earthquakes stimulated by human activities.
Kon Tum and Quang Nam provinces lie on active or potentially active geological faults. However, the most important factor causing the recent high frequency of earthquakes is the operation of large hydroelectric reservoirs.
In Quang Nam, the Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Plant is known to be one of the main causes of induced earthquakes. The huge volume of water in the reservoir puts pressure on faults, changing the stress and triggering earthquakes.
In Kon Plong, hydroelectric reservoirs such as Thuong Kon Tum were also identified as the cause of hundreds of small and medium earthquakes.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh also noted that earthquakes in the above areas, although usually not too large in magnitude (under 5.5), occur continuously, causing tremors and somewhat affecting people's lives. It is predicted that stimulated seismic activity in these areas can last for many years.
Dr. Xuan Anh stated that in the coming time, earthquakes will continue to occur in Quang Nam province but they will gradually decrease over time and cannot exceed the maximum earthquake value of 5.5. In Kon Plong district, earthquakes will also continue in the coming time but are unlikely to be greater than 5.5.
However, Dr. Xuan Anh also noted that there needs to be detailed assessment and research, measuring local earthquake data for scientists to calculate and at the same time having a thicker network of monitoring stations to record information and data of earthquakes.
Given the above developments, Dr. Xuan Anh said that in order to meet the needs of sustainable socio-economic development in the new situation, the Institute of Earth Sciences proposed to promptly implement 3 key tasks.
First, it is necessary to modernize the network of earthquake monitoring stations. Implement a program to review and assess earthquake hazards nationwide, assess earthquake risks for densely populated urban areas, economic zones, and key projects in areas with high earthquake risks. The focus is on conducting studies to assess the impact of earthquakes from a distance; in some high-rise buildings, it is necessary to install vibration measuring equipment to assess the impact of earthquakes.
The second solution, according to the Institute of Earth Sciences, is to step up propaganda and train people in survival skills when natural disasters occur.
Next is to review the earthquake resistance work for houses and structures, especially in areas at high risk of being affected by earthquakes and tsunamis.
Vietnam+
Source: https://baodanang.vn/xa-hoi/202506/xay-ra-31-tran-dong-dat-trong-thang-nam-du-bao-con-dien-bien-phuc-tap-4007991/
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