VietNamNet Bridge – At 10pm on December 4, a 3.8 -magnitude earthquake occurred in Tay Trang Pass in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien. The mild earthquake did not cause any damage.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Tay Trang Pass, more than 20km from Dien Bien Phu City.

The bulletin of the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Center (Institute of Geophysics) says that the earthquake’s focal depth is about 6.5km. This earthquake was weak and it did not cause any damage.

Dr. Nguyen Hong Phuong, Deputy Director of the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Center, said Dien Bien is situated on the Son La - Dien Bien - Lai Chau fault system so it often has earthquakes.

"In 1935 and 1983, this region suffered from the most powerful earthquakes of 6.8 on the Richter scale," Phuong said, adding that in the future this area would undoubtedly have earthquakes but they will be not strong.

On the night of November 26, a 2.1-magnitude earthquake occurred in Muong Lay District, Dien Bien Province.

On September 21, 2011, Tuan Giao District in Dien Bien had a 3-magnitude quake. An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale rocked Tuan Giao in December 2010.

According to scientists, Dien Bien is one of seven key areas in the Northwest region at risk of earthquakes. The six remaining locations are Son La City, Lai Chau town, Muong La town, Muong Lay town, Tuan Giao town and Tam Duong town.

Le Ha