2 earthquakes hit Quang Ngai in central Vietnam

The first quake, with a magnitude of 4.5, occurred in Mang But Commune at 1:36 am at a focal depth of 8.1 kilometers, prompting a level-1 natural disaster risk warning.

The second, measuring 3.0, followed at 2:30 am at a depth of 8.2 kilometers and did not trigger a warning.

Nguyen Xuan Anh, director of the center, said seismic activity in the area continues to be closely monitored.

Since 2021, hundreds of tremors have been recorded in Quang Ngai, particularly around the former Kon Plong District of the former Kon Tum Province, with several strong enough to cause noticeable shaking.

Kon Tum is now part of Quang Ngai Province, as per a nationwide administrative restructuring effective from July 1.

The most powerful in recent years was a magnitude-5.0 quake in July 2024, followed by a magnitude-4.7 tremor in August 2022.

Anh noted that these are induced earthquakes, caused by human activities such as reservoir and hydropower construction, mining operations, or even nuclear testing.

Preliminary studies indicate they are likely to persist in the former Kon Tum area but are not expected to exceed magnitude-5.5.

He stressed the need for more detailed research to better assess the risks.

The Institute of Earth Sciences has set up 11 monitoring stations in the area and is conducting in-depth studies to update its assessments.

In Vietnam, quakes of magnitude-3.0–3.9 are considered minor, often felt by some people but rarely causing damage.

Magnitude-4.0–4.9 quakes are classified as small, while those from 5.0 to 5.9 are considered moderate, with potential for minor to moderate damage.

A magnitude-6 quake is categorized as strong.

Vietnam has recorded three major earthquakes in its history, all in northern Dien Bien Province in 1935, 1983, and 2001, with magnitudes of 6.9, 6.7, and 5.3, respectively, according to official statistics.

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