HCMC - Vietnam experienced an increase in seismic activity in March this year, with 26 earthquakes and tremors recorded nationwide, according to the Earthquake information and Tsunami Warning Center under the Institute of Geophysics (IGP).

Of the total, 23 quakes occurred in Kon Plong District of Kon Tum Province, while three others hit Nam Tra My District of Quang Nam Province. Several days in March saw clusters of seismic activity. On March 2, three consecutive quakes were recorded with magnitudes between 3.0 and 3.2. Similar patterns occurred on March 6, 18, and 25. Notably, on March 31, five earthquakes with magnitudes from 2.6 to 3.1 hit Kon Plong District. Most of the earthquakes in Vietnam in recent years have been small in magnitude and classified as induced seismicity—caused by the impoundment of hydropower reservoirs. Contributing factors include water level, the rate of water accumulation, and the total volume of the reservoir. Over the past decade, Kon Tum and Quang Nam have emerged as hotspots for earthquake activity. Nam Tra My District, which borders Kon Plong, is currently considered one of the most active induced seismic zones in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.