Statistics show between 1903 and 2020 Kon Plong district and the surrounding area registered 33 quakes with a magnitude starting from 2.5 on the Richter scale. The largest recorded in 1937 was 3.9 on the Richter scale, whilst one of the smallest was in 2015 measured at 3 on the Richter scale.

Most notably, since April last year earthquakes in Kon Plong district and surrounding areas have been hitting more  frequently and tended to be stronger.

According to Nguyen Xuan Anh, head of the Institute of Geophysics, in the event of a tectonic earthquake, the cause is usually energy accumulation. Meanwhile, a stimulated earthquake might be the result of water storage at a hydroelectric dam.

In the future it is likely that more quakes will hit Kon Plong, with magnitudes of up to 5.5 or even higher, he warned.

To cope with the natural disaster, the provincial government has planned to equip locals with knowledge and skills in a bid to minimise damage and avoid panics in the event of strong earthquakes, in addition to organising evacuations to ensure the safety of local people.

It will also continue to observe and monitor earthquakes and promptly notify relevant agencies and local citizens of seismic developments for proactive and timely response.

Source: VOV