'Vietnam earthquakes appear more and more'

Dr. Le Huy Minh, Deputy Director of the Institute (Institute of Geophysics - Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) said that the earthquake in Vietnam has become more and more, but the intensity is not equal to that of one. the number of matches that happened in history.

- The earthquake in Japan caused tsunamis that many people are worried that there will be earthquakes in Vietnam with the same intensity. Historically, have we recorded any major earthquakes?

Vietnam once recorded two huge earthquakes, the Dien Bien earthquake (in 1935) with a magnitude of 6.75 Richter that occurred on the Ma river break zone. The second major battle is the Tuan Giao earthquake (1983), with intensity of 6.8 Richter scale, occurring in the Son La fault zone.

In addition, the South Central Coast region, in 1923 also had a 6.1 earthquake magnitude (in the waters of Vung Tau, Phan Thiet). This earthquake is accompanied by Hon Choi volcanic eruption phenomenon, on the fault zone of 109-110 meridian.

Dr. Minh said, no tsunami has been recorded in Vietnamese waters. Photo Vision

In 2010, there were many earthquakes in Vietnam. In it, the biggest match reaches 5 Richter scale. The smaller ones occur on a series of faults such as Muong Lay - Bac Yen, Cao Bang - Tien Yen, Ma River, Ca River fault .

These earthquakes do not cause great damage. Notably, in Quan Son area (Thanh Hoa), earthquakes cause cracking of houses, causing concern for people.

- Looks like in recent years, earthquakes are more and more happening, sir?

From 2005 onwards, there seems to be more and more earthquakes, there are five more to 10 games.

As for the intensity, it is almost the same, there is no sharp increase or decrease. For example, in 2007 in Vung Tau-Phan Thiet offshore with an earthquake of 5.3 on the Richter scale, in the beginning of 2011 also occurred a battle with a magnitude of 4.7 on the Richter scale.

- According to you, when the earthquake happened, are the big cities in Vietnam affected?

In 1983, when earthquakes occurred in Son La (6.8 Richter scale), in Hanoi, vibrations reached level 6, meaning that houses could be cracked.

At that time, Hanoi did not have tall buildings. Until now, many high-rise buildings will grow, if so with earthquakes in such a position and intensity, it is certain that Hanoi will be very scared, capable of spilling houses.

- How many Richter earthquakes do tsunamis happen?

In the earthquake study, people found 6.5 or more Richter levels to have a shift on the entire fracture face. This shift leads to changes in the seabed topography, causing tsunamis.

- Vietnam has a long coastline, have we ever suffered a tsunami?

Not yet. As I said, in 1923 there was a 6.1-Richter match, but it was related to volcanic activity, not to slip on the fault surface.

- If the tsunami happens, which area in Vietnam will be most affected?

According to the results of the tsunami scenario, if the earthquake occurs in the Philippines, the tsunami will affect the Central Coast of Vietnam the most (Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Da Nang .).

- In Vietnam, how is the warning of earthquakes and tsunamis implemented?

In the world, earthquakes are not predictable.

With tsunami warnings it is different. When an earthquake occurs in a certain area, at a certain intensity will cause a tsunami. Tsunamis transmitted in the ocean take time to reach the coast. And, one can calculate that time period.

In Vietnam, in the past, studies at the Institute of Geophysics were often fundamental and not much concerned. In 2006, the Prime Minister issued a regulation on earthquake warning and tsunami warning, our research was interested and invested.

Specifically, we built 10 seismic stations to send real-time data to the Institute of Geophysics. The Institute also received data from regional and national stations in the region, cooperating with the Pacific International Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii (USA) and the North Atlantic Tsunami Consultation Center to receive information, handling and making recommendations.

In the next 2-3 years, we will have a total of about 30 stations. Upon completion of these stations, we are confident to alert the tsunami within 10-15 minutes. Recently, earthquakes in Japan, people also sent a tsunami warning to us after 10 minutes.

In addition, in 2011, the state plans to build a watch alarm tower in the central region. This tower is a few dozen meters high, with a siren and beacon on the tower, when the earthquake and tsunami occur, the Institute will send information directly to warn people.

Besides serving the warning of earthquakes, tsunamis, these towers also serve the flood and storm.

Thank you Sir!

Dr. Le Huy Minh recommends that, when an earthquake occurs, people who are indoors should seek shelter such as under a table, under a chair. If outdoors, stay away from tall buildings.

When a tsunami occurs, based on the warning message, people on the shore need to run as far away from the coast as possible. High ground areas should be sought to avoid waves.

For boats, Mr. Minh recommends that if the forecast time of tsunami is long, it is necessary to run away from the shore. 'Tsunamis only cause harm in the coastal areas, while going far away, the wave amplitude, however big, but due to the long cycle, will not affect ships much,' Minh said.