Hanoi (VNA) – Up to 13 consecutive earthquakes with focal depths of about 8.1-10 kilometres were reported in Kon Plong district of the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum on July 28 with no damage recorded, according to the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Centre under the Institute of Geophysics.
The largest earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 occurred at 11:35:10 am with a focal depth being about 8.1 km. Meanwhile, the latest 3.8- magnitude quake was recorded at 19:53:26 with the same focal depth.
According to the institute, 155 earthquakes with magnitudes of over 2.5 have been recorded across the country since the beginning of this year, including 142 in Kon Tum. Many of them caused widespread shakes.
Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of the Institute of Geophysics, said that the 5.0- magnitude earthquake can cause moderate to severe damage to poorly designed structures but little to no damage to well-designed buildings. People in the affected areas can feel the shaking, and the earthquake may cause injuries or fatalities depending on the circumstances.
The institute has put 11 earthquake monitoring stations in Kon Plong and nearby areas into operation to provide early warnings for residents. The Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Centre has regularly informed local authorities and residents in this area about relevant information.
Immediately after the occurrence of the four consecutive earthquakes, the People's Committee of Kon Plong district issued a document requiring members of the steering committee for disaster prevention, search and rescue and civil defence of the district, agencies and units of the district People's Committee; and People's Committees of communes and Mang Den town to urgently take actions in response to the quakes.
They were requested to put plans and measures in place so as to promptly handle and overcome any damage caused by the earthquakes, assess the damage to infrastructure and property and promptly report to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as propose financial support for recovery to submit to the district People's Committee for consideration.
Local residents were advised to remain calm, follow instructions of the local authorities and relevant agencies, proactively reinforce their houses and equip themselves with knowledge about earthquake preparedness and response./.
