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The earthquake in Kon Tum increased abnormally

Over the past year, earthquakes in Kon Tum have increased by about 5 times compared to the total number of earthquakes in 120 years, according to the Director of the Institute of Geophysics.

On the morning of April 19, at the meeting of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, Director of Geophysics Nguyen Xuan Anh, said the number of earthquakes in Kon Plong district (Kon Tum) and surrounding areas occurred frequently. , the trend is getting stronger from April 2021 to present.

In 2021, 169 earthquakes greater than 2.5 magnitude were recorded. From April 15 to April 18, there were 22 matches in the area, the largest being 4.5 degrees. “This is an alarming increase because in nearly 120 years before this time, the Kon Plong area only recorded 33 earthquakes, of which two were greater than 3 degrees,” said Xuan Anh.





Mr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of Geophysics at the meeting on the morning of April 19.  Photo: Gia Chinh

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of Geophysics at the meeting on the morning of April 19. Image: Gia Chinh

The leader of the Institute of Geophysics said that the cause of earthquakes is not only related to geological faults, but also the water accumulation of hydroelectric plants, because this is the reason for earthquakes in the Tranh River hydropower area. Quang Nam). In the coming time, Kon Plong can still have earthquakes, maximum magnitude 5-5.5 degrees, even stronger.

The Institute of Geophysics has three monitoring stations in this area to warn and give the cause. The agency proposes to install two more stations.

Mr. Tran Quang Hoai, General Director of Disaster Prevention and Control (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) also said that consecutive earthquakes are likely caused by hydroelectric power stations. During this period, except for hydroelectricity, there is no other stimulating construction activity in Kon Tum area.

Mr. Hoai suggested that the Thuong Kon Tum hydropower plant should not store more water when it rains unseasonably because it can trigger an increase in earthquakes. In addition, the Institute of Geophysics needs to shorten the time it takes to provide earthquake information to departments and localities because this is the golden time to respond if the earthquake is of greater magnitude.

Kon Tum province is also required to review to determine the cause, in conjunction with hydropower plants and sensitive project owners to proactively plan when complicated situations occur.





The location of the earthquake in Kon Tum at noon on April 18.  Photo: Institute of Geophysics

The location of the earthquake in Kon Tum at noon on April 18. Image: Institute of Geophysics

Not denying that the cause of the earthquake is stimulated by hydroelectricity, but Mr. Pham Trong Thuc, Deputy Director of the Department of Safety Engineering and Industrial Environment (Ministry of Industry and Trade), said that relevant agencies need to research to draw the correct conclusion and do not rule out other causes.

“The water capacity of the hydroelectric reservoir is not too large, reaching 73% of the lake’s capacity. Technically, the plant is still operational, not uncontrollable,” said Mr. Thuc.

On April 18, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake occurred in Kon Plong district, many neighboring localities still felt the tremor. The earthquake and tsunami warning center (Institute of Geophysics) said the quake raised the risk level to level 1, with a focal depth of about 8.1 km. This is the 4th earthquake of the day, after three occurred at 6:13; 6:22 am; 11:57 am.





Location and intensity of recent earthquakes.  Graphics: Central Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention

Location and intensity of recent earthquakes. Graphics: Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control

Gia Chinh

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