12 earthquakes hit Central Highlands province in 10 hours

According to the Institute of Geophysics’ Vietnam Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Center, the first quake of 3.9 magnitude occurred at 9:31 a.m. at around 8.1 km deep. Another 11 quakes followed, with the last one recorded at 7:56 p.m.

The institute said it is monitoring seismic activity in the Central Highlands province.

Nguyen Xuan Anh, head of the institute, said the quakes are closely linked to the operation of hydropower dams, their storage and discharge of water.

The 220 MW Thuong Kon Tum hydropower plant in Kon Plong District started operating in March 2021.

Earthquakes have been occurring frequently and continuously in the district since.

Between April 15 and 18 last year, the district experienced 22 earthquakes of up to 4.5 magnitude.

There were another 12 earthquakes of 2.5-4.7 magnitude on two consecutive days in August last year.

The quakes have been in weak range and will not exceed 5.5 magnitude, Anh said.