27 earthquakes occurred in February at 'hot spots' in Kon Tum and Quang Nam

On the morning of March 3, information from the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Center, Institute of Geophysics (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology), said that in February 2025, the whole country experienced 27 earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 3.7, mainly concentrated in the "earthquake hotspot" area in Kon Tum province.

Updated data from the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Center - Institute of Geophysics shows that out of the 27 earthquakes that occurred in February, 19 occurred in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province; 7 earthquakes occurred in Nam Tra My district, Quang Nam province (Nam Tra My district has been an "earthquake hotspot" since 2012, when Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Plant stored water to generate electricity); the remaining earthquake occurred in Chuong My district, Hanoi city.

In particular, some days had many consecutive earthquakes such as: On February 19, there were 4 consecutive earthquakes with magnitudes from 2.5 to 3.7; on February 18, there were 2 earthquakes with magnitudes from 3.2 to 3.4; on February 2, there were 3 earthquakes with magnitudes from 3.1 to 3.4.

Previously, in January 2025, in Kon Plong district and Nam Tra My district, there were 32 earthquakes with magnitudes from 2.5 to 4.2; of which 27 occurred in Kon Plong district, the remaining 5 occurred in Nam Tra My district.

Thus, compared to January 2025, the earthquake frequency in February tended to decrease slightly (5 fewer earthquakes).

According to the Institute of Geophysics, Nam Tra My district is adjacent to Kon Plong district - this is a "hot spot" of stimulating earthquakes at the present time in the Central Highlands region. Earthquakes have occurred frequently in Kon Plong from 2021 to present.

Earthquakes in the above areas are induced earthquakes, which occur due to the water filling process of the hydroelectric reservoir affecting the active fault system below. Some factors related to induced earthquakes such as reservoir water level, reservoir filling rate, total water volume will affect the earthquake. However, these effects can occur after several months, several years when enough water seeps down below.

Earthquakes in Kon Plong and Nam Tra My areas are forecast to continue and affect densely populated areas and key structures, especially the epicenter. Local authorities need to update information regularly to develop earthquake-resistant design plans for all types of structures.

According to the regulations on "earthquake and tsunami prevention and control regulations," when receiving news of an earthquake or tsunami warning, people's committees at all levels must notify the people in the area; organize evacuation instructions and mobilize local means to help people evacuate to safety while taking measures to ensure security and order in the area.

Upon receiving news of an earthquake or tsunami warning, all citizens in the affected area must proactively evacuate from the dangerous area to ensure safety.