Tsunami no longer threatens Vietnam

Around 19h30 on December 26, in the southern island of Taiwan, a strong magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred. Vietnam for the first time issued a warning about tsunamis, which could affect the sea area from parallel 18 (Quang Binh) to Ca Mau.

Map of the earthquake in Taiwan (Photo: BBC)

The National Hydrometeorology Center and the Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control issued an urgent notice at 22:15 yesterday. This warning is based on the source of the Pacific Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, part of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

At 19h34 minutes (Hanoi time) happened 7.2 magnitude earthquake at coordinates 21.8 degrees north latitude, 120.6 degrees east longitude, south of Taiwan island. The earthquake shook Taiwan. No damage has been reported yet.

The Central Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control has asked localities to report urgently and organize evacuation and coastal boats. The people were instructed to run deep into the mainland 300-500 m, looking for high land for temporary residence.

However, at 23h last night, the National Hydrometeorology Center and the Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control said that the risk of tsunamis is no longer likely to affect the coast of Vietnam. Localities should inform people to return to normal activities.

On December 26, a two-year round of a devastating tsunami occurred on the Indian Ocean coast. Residents of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and many countries around the Indian Ocean commemorate more than 300,000 people killed. Many places also organize this disaster prevention exercise.

Hong Khanh