Since 2024, four cases of gas and water erupting from wells have been recorded in Chu Prong Commune. The eruptions have stopped at three wells, while one in Hung Tien Village has continued to release gas and water since 2024.
Between July 23 and August 6, the Gia Lai Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Vietnam Department of Geology and Minerals and other agencies inspected the affected wells.
Preliminary findings showed the incidents were not isolated. The affected wells lie roughly along the same longitude, suggesting a possible link to the area's geological structure.
Two wells drilled about 30 metres apart by resident Dam Xuan Hoa experienced similar eruptions. They are located within a pressurised aquifer beneath a basalt layer near an ancient volcanic vent and may be influenced by the Po Co fault system.
The geology department said the boreholes had likely penetrated an aquifer containing dissolved gas at depths of about 170-186 metres or deeper. The resulting pressure release forced gas and water to the surface.
The phenomenon could be regional, involving a pressurised aquifer beneath the basalt layer and potentially associated with the Po Co fault system and relatively recent volcanic activity.
The department has proposed further geological surveys to determine the area's geological structure, distribution of pressurised aquifers and occurrence of natural gas.
Gas safety warning
Gas released from the wells has a faint odour, while people remaining nearby for three to five minutes may experience breathlessness or discomfort, according to the department.
Experts said the gas could be carbon dioxide (CO2), flowing at an estimated 10-20 cubic metres per hour, possibly from deep fault zones, water-rock reactions or other geological processes.
Further analysis of the gas composition and isotopes is needed to determine its origin.
The department warned that neither the gas composition nor the water quality at the wells has been fully determined, posing potential safety risks to residents.
Authorities have been advised to establish 30-50-metre safety zones around affected wells, while residents should avoid lingering near wellheads, particularly early in the morning and at night when gas could accumulate in low-lying areas.
Wells in the area should be limited to 150 metres deep, while affected wells should not be filled in or sealed and open flames or heat sources should be avoided until the gas composition is identified.
Any similar eruptions or unusual gas smells should be reported to relevant authorities for inspection and assessment.
Truong Ba Vinh of the Gia Lai Department of Agriculture and Environment said water and gas samples had been collected to determine their origin, geological characteristics and chemical composition.
Truong Ba Vinh of the Gia Lai Department of Agriculture and Environment said water and gas samples had been collected to determine their origin, geological characteristics and chemical composition.
As previously reported by Dantri, gas and water suddenly erupted from a well being worked on by Dam Xuan Hoa on July 20 due to a shortage of irrigation water.
Hoa was later fined VND 42.5 million (USD 1,615) for drilling without the required permits. The well stopped erupting after more than 20 days.