Asia-Pacific

Earthquake shakes buildings in Taiwan

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake is felt throughout Taiwan, but no casualties or damage reported.
Last Modified: 07 Mar 2013 05:51

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake has been felt throughout Taiwan, but no casualties or damage has been reported, yet.

The quake struck at 11:36am local time (03:36GMT), 36km northwest of Hualien city on the east coast, at a depth of just 9km, the US Geological Survey said on Thursday.

Taiwan's Seismology Centre said the tremor was felt across the island and swayed buildings in the capital, Taipei, confirming the 5.6 magnitude, the National Fire Agency said.

Earthquakes frequently rattle Taiwan, but most are minor and cause little or no damage.

However, a magnitude-7.6 earthquake in central Taiwan in 1999 killed more than 2,000 people.

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