More than 100 buildings damaged in northern Vietnam due to a moderate earthquake – July 27, 2020.

At noon, July 27^th, 2020, an earthquake shook parts of northern Vietnam and Laos. According to the Vietnamese geophysical institution, the quake reached the magnitude of 5.3 and hit the region Son La southwest of Hanoi. Minor shaking was felt in the upper floor of buildings in Hanoi. A higher intensity is expected for the areas closer to the epicenter, where minor damage is likely.

At least 126 buildings in five towns were damaged by this earthquake. Some suffered severe cracks or partial collapses. Mainly residential houses but also a hospital, a school and some other public buildings were damaged. There is so far no information about the number of evacuated people. Nobody was injured.

Authorities are making plans and taking actions in helping residents reconstruct their accommodation and supplying them with enough food.