VietNamNet Bridge – Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) to combine with relevant agencies to inspect underground explosions in Bac Tra My district, in the central province of Quang Nam recently.

Geophysics Institute needs VND500mil to research earthquakes in Quang Nam






This phenomenon has caused abnormal landslides and depression in the region. Some
houses have cracked walls and foundations.


Accordingly, the MoST has to report to the government the reason that caused that phenomenon in December.

According to the authority of Bac Tra My district, since Song Tranh 2 hydro-power plant built its dam to store water in late 2010, around 200 earthquakes and underground explosions have been recorded, including four in November 2011 alone. In the latest case, which happened at 9.30pm, November 27, a big explosion with aftershock in a 30km diameter was recorded.

This phenomenon has caused abnormal landslides and depression in the region. Some houses have cracked walls and foundations. The local authorities are worrying that if the phenomenon continues, ethnic minority people will move deep into the forest, resulted in deforestation. If earthquake increases to five Richter scale, many houses will collapse.

On November 30 and December 1, scientists made a field trip in 24 communes in Bac Tra My and Nam Tra My districts to define the epicenter of recent earthquakes.

According to the Institute of Science and Technology of Vietnam’s initial conclusion, underground explosions in the region were caused by reservoir induced earthquakes of 3-4 Richter scale from the fault on the left bank of Tranh River.

Linh Ha