Since April 15, the Kon Plong district in Kon Tum province has experienced a series of small earthquakes with magnitudes below 3.5. Alongside a magnitude 4.1 earthquake that occurred at 20:47:57 on April 15, this marks the second earthquake in the area with a magnitude above 4. Despite this, these earthquakes do not pose a risk of natural disasters. The Earthquake Reporting and Tsunami Warning Center continues to monitor the situation.
From the beginning of 2022 until now, Kon Plong district has witnessed dozens of earthquakes ranging from magnitudes 2.4 to 4.5. These earthquakes are classified as weak to moderate and do not pose any disaster risk.
This earthquake is classified as weak and moderate, posing no disaster risk.
Previously, in 2021, this area also experienced dozens of earthquakes with magnitudes below 4.0. Since June 2021, the Institute of Geophysics has deployed personnel to the area to establish an additional monitoring station to better understand and promptly warn of any potentially dangerous geological phenomena.
Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of the Institute of Geophysics (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology), stated that the Kon Tum province, in general, and the Kon Plong district, in particular, are located in a minor fault zone. Previous studies indicate that earthquakes in this area typically do not exceed a magnitude of 5.0. The institute regularly updates local authorities and residents about seismic activity. To draw accurate conclusions, a sufficient observation period is necessary, and the institute’s staff will continue monitoring and processing earthquake data in Kon Plong district.
Director Nguyen Xuan Anh advises residents and local authorities to pay attention to seismic-resistant factors in construction; government levels should frequently disseminate information and guide residents on measures to prevent, avoid, and minimize damage when strong earthquakes occur. Particularly, when an earthquake happens, the authorities and affected residents must strictly follow the regulations outlined in Decision No. 78/2007/QD-TTg dated May 29, 2007, by the Prime Minister regarding earthquake and tsunami prevention and control.
Accordingly, upon receiving news of an earthquake or tsunami warning, all citizens in the affected areas must proactively evacuate from danger zones to ensure safety; local government must inform the public in the area through all available means; organize evacuation guidance and mobilize local resources to assist residents in reaching safe locations, while ensuring security and order in the area.
Immediately after an earthquake or tsunami occurs, local authorities must mobilize all available resources as per regulations to rescue victims, provide emergency medical assistance to the injured, search for missing persons, and compile information to report urgently to competent authorities for necessary directives to minimize damage caused by earthquakes and tsunamis.
