5.0 magnitude earthquake jolts northern Vietnam, disaster risk warning released
VOV.VN - A strong earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale struck Muong Cha district in Dien Bien province, northern Vietnam, at noon on May 16, shaking the region and being clearly felt by local residents.
The earthquake occurred at 11:17:21 AM on May 16 at a depth of approximately 10km in Muong Cha district, Dien Bien province, said the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Centre, under the Institute of Geophysics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
Experts said that the earthquake’s impact carries a level 2 disaster risk on Vietnam’s 5-level disaster risk scale for the epicentre region.
The quake was felt in Muong Cha and surrounding areas, including Dien Bien Phu city and Tuan Giao district, with shaking lasting about 2 seconds.
So far, no casualties or property damage have been reported. Local officials have been advised to inspect buildings and infrastructure, especially in residential areas, schools, and hospitals to ensure public safety.
Experts are continuing to monitor aftershocks and geological activity.
According to scientists from the Institute of Geophysics, Dien Bien lies along two major active seismic fault zones: the Dien Bien - Muong Lay fault zone, which stretches approximately 200 kilometers and is frequently active, and the Song Ma - Tuan Giao - Lai Chau fault zone.
Due to this geological structure, Dien Bien is prone to earthquakes of varying magnitudes. Earthquakes most commonly occur in Dien Bien, Dien Bien Dong, Tuan Giao, Muong Cha, Muong Nhe districts, and Muong Lay town.
On average, three to five earthquakes with magnitudes below 4.0 on the Richter scale are recorded annually in the province. However, the province has experienced three major earthquakes in the past, namely a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in 1935 in Dien Bien, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake in Tuan Giao town in 1983, and a 5.3-magnitude earthquake in Dien Bien Phu city in 2001.
26 earthquakes recorded in March in Kon Tum, Quang Nam
VOV.VN - In March alone, Vietnam recorded 26 earthquakes, with 23 occurring in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province, and 3 in Nam Tra My district, Quang Nam province, the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Center – Institute of Geophysics under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology reported on April 1.
