Boreholes in Vietnam's Gia Lai province erupt with gas and water

Residents in Chư Prông district, Gia Lai province, Vietnam, have witnessed a series of unusual geological events as several boreholes began erupting with gas and water earlier this year. One family reported their well spewing a mixture of gas and water up to 15 meters high for over 20 days before subsiding.

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The boreholes in Chư Prông district, Gia Lai province, unexpectedly erupting with gas and water onto the ground is a regional geological phenomenon, related to the Pô Cô fault system and young volcanic activity.

This is not an isolated incident. Since the beginning of 2024, at least four such borehole eruptions have been recorded in the Chư Prông area. The phenomena are geographically clustered, appearing along a roughly 1.2 km stretch that includes a dormant ancient volcano crater.

Investigations by the Vietnam Institute of Geology and Minerals and the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development suggest the eruptions are a regional geological phenomenon. They are linked to the Pô Cô fault system and recent volcanic activity. The boreholes, drilled to depths of 170-186 meters, penetrated a fractured granite layer containing pressurized water and gas.

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The well suddenly "erupted" in the middle of a family's yard.

When the drill bit breached this layer, the sudden release of pressure caused the natural "geyser" effect. Initial on-site radiation measurements showed normal background levels, ruling out radioactive causes. Experts believe the gas is likely natural carbon dioxide, with estimated flow rates of 10-20 cubic meters per hour. While the gas has a slight odor and can cause discomfort when inhaled directly, authorities have cautioned residents about potential safety hazards.

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The well erupted with a column of gas and water up to 10-15 meters high, continuously for more than 20 days before stopping on its own.