Hanoi (VNA) – Up to 36 earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 4.0 were recorded in September, mainly in Kon Plong district the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum, according to Institute of Geophysics under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

The institute on October 1 cited statistics by the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Centre showing Kon Plong was hit by 32 earthquakes in the month.

Several days experienced multiple quakes, with five recorded on both September 5 and 24, and four on September 10.

Elsewhere, four additional earthquakes were recorded in September, in Nam Tra My district, Quang Nam province with 3.5 magnitude; A Luoi district, Thua Thien – Hue province with 3.3; Bao Lạc district, Cao Bang province with 2.5; and Moc Chau district, Lai Chau province on September 23 with 3.3.

In August, 95 earthquakes were reported nationwide, 93 of which occurred in Kon Plong district. The remaining two were recorded in Bac Tra My district, Quang Nam province and Lao Cai city in the province of the same name.

In July, Kon Plong also experienced 82 earthquakes, with the strongest being a 5.0 magnitude tremor on July 28, the highest recorded in the area to date.

The frequency of earthquakes in September represented a significant drop compared to previous months, with 59 fewer quakes than in August and 46 fewer than in July.

These quakes were induced by the water storage processes of hydropower reservoirs, which affected the underlying active fault lines, Dr Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of the Institute of Geophysics, told VietnamPlus.

Factors such as water levels in reservoirs, the rate of accumulation, and the total volume of water can influence seismic activity. However, the effects may only become apparent months or even years after the water has fully seeped underground.

Anh also warned that earthquakes in Kon Tum were likely to continue, potentially affecting densely populated areas and key infrastructure, particularly near the epicentre.

He urged local authorities to regularly update information and develop earthquake-resistant designs for structures.

Under earthquake and tsunami prevention and control regulations, local authorities must inform the public of any warnings, organise evacuations, and ensure security. Residents in affected areas are advised to evacuate immediately upon receiving such alerts.

☂ Since the start of 2024, Vietnam has experienced 353 minor earthquakes across localities including Kon Tum, Hoa Binh, Tuyen Quang, Phu Yen, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Yen Bai, Vinh Phuc, Thua Thien - Hue, Thanh Hoa, Dien Bien, Ninh Binh, Lai Chau, Cao Bang, Lao Cai, and Hanoi. About 98% of these were concentrated in Kon Plong district./.