There were 71 quakes striking localities across the country in the first quarter of this year measuring from 2.4 to 4.0 on the Richter scale, reported the Centre for Earthquake Alert and Tsunami Warning under the Institute of Geophysics.

Among them were 12 earthquakes measuring above 3.5 on the Richter scale.

Overall, 68 of the 71 quakes occurred in Kon Plong district of Kon Tum province in the Central Highlands. The remainder were reported in the capital of Hanoi and the northern provinces of Lai Chau and Hoa Binh.

In particular, a record-breaking earthquake happened on March 25 in My Duc district of Hanoi measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale. Many people living in the area could feel slight tremors, while the quake caused a rock fall in Luong Son district of nearby Hoa Binh province.

Nguyen Xuân Anh, director of the Institute of Geophysics, recommended that authorities at all levels strengthen communication efforts and equip local people with earthquake prevention and control measures.

Upon receiving news of earthquakes or a tsunami warning, all residents in affected places must be evacuated to safe areas, he said.

VOV