[NEWS IN-DEPTH] Analysis on recent quakes in Asian region

아시아 연쇄 지진, 한반도 지진에 연관 있나?

Korea has seen three earthquakes in April alone,... all of which originated in the East Sea.
Although all three measured magnitudes of below 4-point-3,... the unusual frequency of the quakes has caught people's attention.
Adding to concerns,... is the recent series of quakes that hit the Asian region, including India and the Philippines.
Today we go in-depth with Dr. Song Seok Goo , of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, to further discuss the increasing seismic activity in the region.

1. A 2.5 magnitude quake hit Korea's southernmost Jeju Island last Saturday,... while a 5.6 magnitude quake struck Japan's Hokkaido prefecture the following day. We're seeing frequent earthquakes in the Asia-Pacific region these days. Would you say there's a link between these quakes?
If there's no link, what makes these quakes occur one after the other?
2. Some experts claim the Asian region can expect another series of earthquakes in the near future. What's your take?
3. Korea has been relatively free from earthquake concerns,... but following two strong quakes that rattled Korea's Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in 2016 and 2017, there's growing concerns among the Korean people. Could you tell us about the studies that are being conducted at your department at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources?
4. 'The Ring of Fire' refers to a seismically active belt in the Asian Pacific region... as we can see on the map. Korea does not sit on the Ring of Fire,.. so why are we seeing frequent quakes in Korea's eastern coastal areas?
5. Fortunately the epicenters of the recent quakes that hit off Korea's East Sea were far enough to not cause any inland damage. But some were worried about a possible Tsunami. Could you tell us what the exact conditions are for a Tsunami warning to be issued?
6 We learned a huge lesson from Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011 regarding the hazardous consequences of a nuclear plant collapse. Korea has 24 nuclear power plants, 18 of which are situated on the coastal areas near the East Sea. Should we be worried?
7. The increased number of quakes in Korea is also leading to concerns over volcanic activities on Mt. Baekdu located on the border between North Korea and China. Is there a link between earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?
8. What measures does Korea need to take to mitigate possible casualties or damage should another, more serious, quake occur?
9. Are there any on-going joint research or joint projects with other neighboring countries like China or Japan on earthquakes?
10. Before you go, could you give us some advice on necessary actions we need to take in case of an earthquake?