Earthquakes recorded in northern provinces

Three earthquakes measuring between 1.7 and 2.6 on the Richter scale have been recorded in the north of Laos, but these were small tremors and no damage was done.
The Meteorology and Hydrology Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said one of the quakes took place at 21:30pm on May 17 and registered 2.3 on the Richter scale in Naxao village, Xay district, Oudomxay province, about 8km from the district capital.

Some people felt the earthquake and were aware it had happened but it was not strong enough to cause any damage, an official from the Department of Information, Culture and Tourism in Oudomxay province told Vientiane Times.
Another earthquake was recorded at 4:23am on May 14 with a magnitude of 2.6 on the Richter scale in Huaythat village, Sing district, Luang Namtha province, about 41km from Sing district capital.
On the same day at 4:55am, a quake measuring 1.7 on the Richter scale was recorded in Meuangkham village, Tonpheuang district, Bokeo province, about 11km from Tonpheuang district capital.
None of these quakes had any effect on local people but the Meteorology and Hydrology Department is keeping a close eye on the situation because previous earthquakes have been stronger and caused some damage.
In November 2019, 13 houses in Hongsa district, Xayaboury province, were damaged after earthquakes measuring 6.4 and 5.9 on the Richter scale struck the district. Fortunately, only two people were slightly injured.
Thirteen houses and four temples were damaged in the villages of Simoungkhoun, Sibounheuang, Thaenkham, Nakaenkham, and Meuanghan. Many of the houses had broken walls.
There were 18 earthquakes in total on that day, with two being particularly strong. The quake was felt in every district of Xayaboury province but most strongly in central Hongsa district.
In January 2019, earthquakes measuring 4.0 and 4.7 on the Richter scale occurred in Phongsaly and Luang Namtha provinces.
In Phongsaly, a quake measuring 4.7 occurred about 5km below ground in Ngai Neua village, Bountay district.
An earthquake also occurred in Tintok village, Namtha district, Luang Namtha, but no effects were felt.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update May 20, 2021)