According to the Institute of Geophysics, on July 28, a total of 21 earthquakes were recorded in Kon Plong District (Kon Tum). The first quake occurred at 3:13 AM with a magnitude of 3.4 on the Richter scale, at a depth of approximately 8.1 km.
Strong and record-breaking earthquakes in Vietnam on July 28. (Photo: Institute of Geophysics).
Most notably, the fourth earthquake of the day had a magnitude of 5 and occurred at 11:35 AM, with a disaster risk level warning of 2. This earthquake was felt in many neighboring areas, and residents in high-rise buildings in Ho Chi Minh City also reported sensations of shaking. This has been identified as the largest earthquake ever recorded in Kon Tum, surpassing a previous quake with a magnitude of 4.7 that occurred on August 23, 2022.
Later in the afternoon and evening, an additional 17 earthquakes were recorded, with magnitudes generally ranging from 2.8 to 3.2, and no associated danger level warnings (disaster risk level 0), bringing the total number of earthquakes in a single day to 21. Besides the strong magnitudes, July 28 is also considered a day with the highest number of recorded earthquakes in Vietnam.
Previously, on July 18 and 20, earthquakes were also recorded in Kon Plong District with magnitudes ranging from 2.8 to 3.
Experts suggest that the initial cause is likely induced seismicity due to the rapid filling of hydropower reservoirs following heavy rains in recent times.
