Minor earthquake hits Koh Samui amid severe weather warnings
A 2.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Koh Samui in Surat Thani, with a depth of 4 kilometres, according to the Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Meteorological Department of Thailand. The event occurred at 8.24am, today, May 30, causing noticeable tremors in the area.
The earthquake’s epicentre was located in Ang Thong subdistrict, Koh Samui district. Although the quake was relatively minor, residents reported feeling the ground shake. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) assured the public that they will provide updates on any further developments.
The cause of this earthquake was identified to be triggered by the release of heat energy beneath the earth’s crust, affecting the residents in the areas around Surat Thani Province.
People in the area were able to feel the tremors but there have been no reports of damage so far.
“Loud noise and shaking of ground and building. Very short, like an explosion.”
Another local reported his house shaking twice, with car alarms going off twice. He said he also felt the ground shaking yesterday.
In addition to the earthquake, the TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast predicts thunderstorms across Thailand due to a southwesterly monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
Mariners in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are advised to exercise caution as waves are expected to reach 1 to 2 metres in height.
A low-pressure area over northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin is contributing to this weather pattern.
This combination of seismic activity and adverse weather conditions underscores the need for residents and visitors in the affected areas to stay informed and heed official advisories.
The 2.4 magnitude earthquake on Koh Samui and the forecasted thunderstorms across Thailand serve as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to both seismic and weather-related events. The authorities are actively monitoring the situation and guiding the public to ensure safety.
