The Mongolian Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics has reported that an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 has struck the western Khovd Province of the country on Monday.

The earthquake took place 78 km from the Altai Soum in the southeast of the province at about 3 am local time, according to a statement released by the institute; it added that no damage or casualties were caused.

Khovd is Mongolia’s westernmost province and borders with China.

On 1 April, a 3.8 magnitude earthquake was felt at the other end of the country in Mongolia’s easternmost province. The seismic event occurred 74km east from the centre of Matad Soum of Dornod Province; it was felt by people living in the vicinity.

Ten days ago, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Gobi-Altai, another western province of Mongolia. According to the Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, the epicentre of the earthquake was 30 km east of the administrative centre of Tonkhil Soum. It was followed by 80 aftershocks – some of which were felt by the public or recorded with sensitive equipment.

Since 1 January 2020, there have been a at least a dozen seismic activities, of which the Gobi-Altai is earthquake is the strongest to date