An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale hit the northern mountainous province of Son La Province yesterday afternoon with aftershocks felt in Ha Noi.

The earthquake’s epicentre is located 38km from Son La City and about 37km southeast of the Son La Hydropower Plant construction site. (Photo: VOV)

Centre director Le Huy Minh said that no damage caused by the quake had been reported in Son La Province or in Ha Noi.

“We are continuing to monitor any aftershocks from the earthquake to make sure we know if any damage has occurred,” he said.

Vu Duc Thin, from the Electricity of Viet Nam’s board of directors, confirmed that the Son La Hydro-power Plant had not been affected by the quake.

“We have tested the plant by applying forces that measure up to 6.8 on the Richter scale, and the construction has withstood this,” he said.

Viet Nam has at least 30 earthquake prone areas, including parts of Ha Noi and HCM City.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News