Brian Jeffrey
The Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Center of the Institute of Geophysics reported two significant earthquakes striking Kon Tum. The first quake, measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale, hit at 11:17 AM, followed by a stronger 5.0 magnitude tremor at 11:35 AM. The epicenter of the larger quake was pinpointed at coordinates (14.827°N, 108.245°E), about 8.1 km deep.
Residents in the affected areas reported feeling intense shaking. In Da Nang, Ho Xuan Hung from Hai Chau district mentioned that items shook on shelves and tables for around 10 seconds. “I felt the tremor clearly and suspected it was an earthquake. After checking with friends online, I confirmed it was due to the quake in Kon Tum,” shared Hung.
Even in Tam Ky city, Quang Nam, over 100 km away from the epicenter, residents experienced the tremors. Tran Duc Minh from Quang Nam described how the quake made windows rattle and household items shake for a few seconds.
Thua Thien Hue also felt the noticeable tremors. In Hue, the ground shook for 5-6 seconds, resulting in vibrating windows. Similarly, residents in Son Long commune, Son Tay district, Quang Ngai, reported feeling the effects of the earthquake.
Director of the Institute of Geophysics, Nguyen Xuan Anh, explained that the observed seismic activity was linked to induced seismicity from reservoir operations. The occurrence of such induced seismicity is influenced by geological factors, reservoir volume, elevation, and the rate of water filling.
With 65 earthquakes recorded in Vietnam this year, 54 of them in Kon Tum alone, ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 in magnitude, other provinces like Quang Nam, Yen Bai, Hanoi, Phu Yen, Tuyen Quang, Dien Bien, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa have also experienced minor quakes.
Anh mentioned that while the 5.0 magnitude quake is considered moderate, local authorities should evaluate potential damages. Future quakes in Kon Tum are anticipated to continue but are not likely to surpass 5.5 in magnitude.
As urbanization progresses and infrastructures develop, the evaluation of seismic hazards becomes more critical. Regular earthquake risk assessments are essential for effective urban planning and the construction of quake-resistant structures.
