Three consecutive earthquakes in Kon Tum

The first one at 4:08 was magnitude 3.1. It was followed about two minutes later by a magnitude 3.0 quake; the one at 4:46 was magnitude 2.6. All three quakes were at a depth of about 8.1 km.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Center, Institute of Earth Sciences (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) stated that Kon Tum is in the stimulated earthquake chain and in the weak earthquake range. Therefore, the maximum vibration in the area does not exceed 5.5 degrees. Through observation, the cause of the above phenomenon is related to the stimulated earthquake caused by the reservoir.

Location of the epicenter, Kon Plong district. Photo: Earthquake information center warns of tsunami

Accordingly, when hydroelectric plants operate, they increase pressure on the ground, leading to landslides and earthquakes. In March 2021, after the Thuong Kon Tum plant in Kon Plong district stored water to generate electricity, tremors increased dramatically in the area.

Statistics show that in 117 years, from 1903 to 2020, Kon Plong district recorded about 33 earthquakes, from 2.5 magnitude and above. However, from 2021 to now, there have been more than 200 earthquakes here. The largest earthquake occurred in August 2022, with a 4.7 magnitude tremor. At that time, people in some provinces and cities hundreds of kilometers away from Kon Plong felt tremors and objects falling to the ground.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/ba-tran-dong-dat-lien-tiep-o-kon-tum-post285145.html