Magnitude 6.4 earthquake hits Xayaboury

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Hongsa district, Xayaboury province, early this morning, causing damage to houses in many villages of the district.
Deputy Governor of Xayaboury province, Ms Bounphak Inthapanya, told Vientiane Times the earthquake caused varying degrees of damage and trembling was felt in every district of the province. The quake was felt most strongly in central Hongsa district and some house were damaged, although there have been no reports of injuries or deaths. Provincial administration officials are collecting information to assess the damage.

According to the Meteorology and Hydrology Department there were 18 earthquakes this morning, with two being particularly strong. The first took place at 4:03am with magnitude 5.9 in central Hongsa district about 38km from the provincial capital, close to the border with Thailand, followed by another at 6:50am with a magnitude of 6.4.
The shockwaves were felt much further afield and the department is warning people, especially those living close to affected area, to be on the alert and make frequent checks for any information issued by the department. 

By Phoonsab Thevongsa
(Latest Update November 21, 2019)