A note on splitting numbers for Galois covers and $\pi_1$-equivalent Zariski $k$-plets

In this paper, we introduce \textit{splitting numbers} of subvarieties in a smooth variety for a Galois cover, and prove that the splitting numbers are invariant under certain homeomorphisms. By splitting numbers, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for two plane curves of type $(b,m)$ to be topologically equivalent as pairs of the complex projective plane and plane curves, where a plane curve of type $(b,m)$ is an arrangement of two smooth plane curves of degree $3$ and $b$ defined by I.~Shimada. Consequently, we prove that there are $\pi_1$-equivalent Zariski $k$-plets for any $k\geq2$.