The quake occurred at 1:36 a.m. at a depth of about 8.1 km, said experts, adding it was classified at disaster risk level 1.

Just an hour later, at 2:30 a.m., another quake measuring 2.8 magnitude was recorded in the same area at a depth of about 8.2 km. This tremor was assessed at disaster risk level 0.

Local authorities in Mang But commune said they immediately carried out inspections and damage assessments following the two events. Meanwhile, residents in Thong Nhat ward, Gia Lai province, around 150 km away from the epicenter, reported feeling the tremors.

The region, particularly former Kon Plong district which was previously part of Kon Tum, has experienced frequent seismic events in recent years. On July 12, Mang But was hit by a 3.3 magnitude quake, and earlier on July 7 and 8, a series of quakes measuring 3.3 and 2.6 were recorded in Kon Plong and Son Ky communes.

Since 2021, hundreds of earthquakes have been logged in this central region of Vietnam, many strong enough to cause noticeable ground shaking. The most powerful recent event occurred on July 28, 2024, with a magnitude of 5.0, followed by a 4.7 magnitude quake on August 23, 2022.

To better monitor the ongoing seismic activity, the Institute of Earth Sciences has deployed 11 monitoring stations across the region and is conducting in-depth research to assess long-term earthquake risks.

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.