Illustrative image. Many Hanoians, especially those living in old high-rise buildings, are concerned about safety following tremors reported in November this year. Photo baonhandao.vn

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội’s Department of Construction (DoC) has asked localities to check buildings, particularly high-rise apartment blocks and reservoirs, to prepare for earthquakes.

The department requested the People’s Committees of districts around the city to assess the impact of earthquakes on structures, including old buildings and areas at risk of landslides, and report on their safety.

Reservoirs should be inspected and reported to the city’s Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Rescue to institute appropriate plans.

Housing and Office Management Boards, Hanoi Housing Development and Management Company Limited and Hanoi Housing Investment and Development Corporation should coordinate with local authorities to check, review and provide information about safety for people in resettlement apartment buildings and old houses under their management.

The Department also urged the People’s Committees of districts and relevant agencies to follow the direction of the Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Rescue.

Many residents in high-rise apartment buildings felt tremors on November 28, which were said to be caused by a 4.7-magnitude earthquake in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bằng’s Trùng Khánh District, at a depth of 10 kilometres.

On November 25, Hanoians also experienced tremors as a result of another quake in the same province.

On November 21, a lot of people in apartments in Hà Nội felt light shaking, which was the result of a 6.1-magnitude earthquake in Laos.

No damage was reported. However, the incidents frightened people, raising concerns about the safety of high-rise buildings. — VNS