A 4.4-magnitude earthquake occurred at about 13:31pm at 14.842 degrees North latitude,108.221 degrees East longitude, with a focal depth of about 8.1 km, causing no natural disaster risk.

Previously, on the same day, four consecutive earthquakes of respective magnitudes of 2.5, 2.9, 3.0 and 4.4, with a focal depth of about 8.0-8.3 km, also hit the same district. They caused no casualties or property damage.

Earthquakes have occurred regularly in Kon Plong since 2021.

According to Director of the Institute of Geophysics Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Kon Tum in general and Kon Plong in particular belongs to a small fault, which see earthquakes with magnitude not exceeding 5.0. Although occurring frequently, the earthquake level in this area is not at a risk warning level, he said.

The official pledged that the institute will regularly provide update on earthquakes to local administration and residents, while keeping a close watch on data of the phenomena in this area.

Dr. Anh advised that when an earthquake occurs, people should hold on to a door frame or crawl under a table if they are in a sturdy building. If they are outdoors, they should stay away from power lines and poles and move to an open area. If they are driving, they should try to pull over to the side of the road and stop./. VNA