While drilling a well, steam unexpectedly erupted to a height of 20-30 meters following a strong earthquake measuring 5.0 in Kon Tum Province. This unusual phenomenon has persisted for two days without stopping.
On July 31, in a conversation with reporters, Mr. Rơ Mah Hêng, Chairman of the Ia Kly Commune People’s Committee (Chư Prông District, Gia Lai Province), stated that he has reported the strange natural occurrence to the district and relevant authorities following the earthquake in Kon Plông District, Kon Tum Province.
Specifically, the well of Mr. Đàm Xuân Hòa (a resident of Klẵ village, Ia Kly Commune) unexpectedly ejected water above 10 meters from the ground, with very strong steam pressure. This event occurred at noon on July 30 and has not yet ceased.
Unusual phenomenon from the well, gas and water spurting high into the air. (Photo: LK).
Immediately after receiving the information, the Ia Kly Commune People’s Committee sent officials to investigate and set up warning ropes to prevent crowds and ensure safety.
“This is an unprecedented phenomenon in the area. This well has displayed unusual activity since the earthquake in Kon Tum,” Mr. Hêng remarked.
On the afternoon of July 31, reporters at the scene observed that Mr. Đàm Xuân Hòa’s well continued to erupt vigorously. Steam from the well mouth was forcefully expelled, accompanied by water shooting up about 20 to 30 meters.
Strong steam has shown no signs of decreasing for two days. (Photo: LK).
When placing a hand near the erupting well, one can feel the intense steam pressure. The water rises high, appearing as mist, so it is not seen falling to the ground. Many curious locals observed the strange phenomenon from a distance.
In an interview with PLO, Mr. Đàm Xuân Hòa (a resident of Klã village, Ia Kly Commune – the well owner) explained that this is an old well that previously had no water. Recently, he intended to pull the drilling equipment up to drill elsewhere but noticed a sound of spurting steam, prompting him to drill further, which resulted in the gas and water erupting from the ground.
“Yesterday at noon, while drilling, I discovered the drilling rig was pushed up by steam, which was strange, so I decided to pull all the drilling pipes up. After that, the well erupted violently, along with mud and small rocks. Many stones flew several dozen meters away. Now we just have to wait for the well to stop erupting, as there is no way to seal it,” Mr. Hòa stated.
Mr. Cao Thế Sơn takes a water sample for testing, finding no unusual smell. (Photo: LK).
According to Mr. Cao Thế Sơn (from Klã village, a friend of Mr. Hòa), “The well has been erupting for two days now, with no signs of stopping. This phenomenon is not just water erupting; it is the strong spouting of steam accompanied by water. I tried placing a plastic can at the mouth of the well, and it was blown up to 30 meters high immediately.”
The steam is very strong.
Placing a hand near the steam can easily cause injury due to small stones being expelled.
Witnessing the event since it began, Mr. Lê Ngọc Thường (a farmer near Mr. Đàm Xuân Hòa’s home) mentioned that initially, he was alarmed by the strange phenomenon and feared the gas and water might be toxic, so he advised everyone to be cautious. After checking the water for unusual smells and finding no one showing signs of headaches, he confirmed that the gas and steam were safe and non-toxic.
