A magnitude 4.9 earthquake hit Lai Chau on June 16, causing a number of houses and buildings to be damaged.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of the Institute of Geophysics (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology), made such comments and warnings when responding to Tuoi Tre Online about the earthquake situation in the Northern provinces in next time.
According to Xuan Anh, the Earth Physics Institute has studied earthquake activities in Vietnam. Studies show that in the history of the Northwest region, there was a strong earthquake. Two earthquakes in Dien Bien in 1935 were magnitude 6.7 and Tuan Giao in 1983 was strong at 6.8 magnitude, causing vibrations on the surface of amplitude of level 8 and level 9.
Mr. Xuan Anh said that in earthquakes of magnitude 8 and level 9, people easily feel shaking and fear.
The two earthquakes in Dien Bien (6.7 richter) and Tuan Giao (6.8 richter) did not cause great damage because the buildings and surrounding areas were not built much. Now, if an earthquake happens like that, seismic resistance should be considered.
"If level 8 and level 9 earthquakes occur, constructions in the northeastern and northwestern provinces may be damaged even though the impact level is quite severe.
According to the MKS-64 rating scale, earthquake level 9 will cause complete damage to houses, the floor may crack 10cm wide, and level 8 will destroy buildings, ... "- Mr. Xuan Anh said.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of the Institute of Geophysics (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) - Photo: TRI TUE
In order to proactively prevent and respond, Mr. Xuan Anh suggested that the Northeast, Northwest provinces must strictly comply with the issued government regulations to prevent earthquakes.
"Based on the assessment of the earthquake hazard level of each area, after calculating the possible risks, especially for newly built works, it must ensure seismic resistance standards and ensure Factors that serve to minimize the damage caused by earthquakes.
For example, the recent earthquake in Lai Chau. Based on the evaluation, through which the Earth Physics Institute cooperates with the province to propose suitable solutions according to the earthquake regulations issued by the Government.
We need to take the initiative in prevention, because there has been a similar case in the past. Especially, the Northeast, Northwest must strictly follow the regulations issued by the government and regulations to prevent earthquakes "- Mr. Xuan Anh said.