Small-scale earthquakes recorded in Luang Namtha, Phongsaly

Earthquakes measuring 4.0 and 4.7 on the Richter scale were recorded this week in Phongsaly and Luang Namtha provinces respectively.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported that an earthquake occurred in Phongsaly province at 5:54 pm on Monday, measuring 4.7 and occurring about 5km below the surface in Ngai Neua village, Bountay district.
According to Thailand’s Meteorological Agency, there were tremors in Laos’ northern provinces with another quake measuring 4.0 detected in the early hours of January 16 in Luang Namtha province.
An official from the Luang Namtha provincial Natural Resources and Environment Department, Mr Sithan Phenchantha, told Vientiane Times yesterday that the earthquake occurred in Tintok village, Namtha district, but no effects were felt.
Mr Sithan said this was the second time an earthquake had been recorded in Namtha district, with the first occurring three years ago in Nam Thalarn village.
An official from the Natural Resources and Environment office in Bountay district, Phongsaly province, Mr Souvanhna Phasa, told Vientiane Times yesterday an earthquake was recorded as having occurred in Ngai Neua village but that no damage was done.
Mr Souvanhna said earthquakes occurred almost every year in the district but were too small to have any noticeable effect.
On the same day, earthquakes occurred in Chiang Rai and Phrae provinces in Thailand, according to http://www.earthquake.tmd.go.th/inside.html

By Viengdavanh Banphahaksa
(Latest Update January 17, 2019)