Taipei, May 9 (AFP\/APP): A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan on Monday afternoon, according to the US Geological Survey, with buildings in capital Taipei sent swaying.<\/p>\n
The offshore quake hit just before 2:30 pm (0630 GMT) at a depth of 27 kilometres (17 miles), about 70 kilometres southwest of Yonakuni, a Japanese island not far from Taiwan, according to the USGS report.<\/p>\n
Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau said the shake, the fifth this year above a magnitude of 6.0, was felt across the island, though there were no immediate reports of damage.<\/p>\n
“Hope everyone is safe… there could be some aftershocks and please be cautious,” New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi posted on Facebook.<\/p>\n
The Japan Meteorological Agency estimated the tremor at a magnitude of 6.6 and said it may prompt minor sea-level fluctuations, but has not issued a tsunami warning.<\/p>\n
Taiwan and the surrounding area are regularly hit by earthquakes due to the nearby junction of two tectonic plates.<\/p>\n
In March, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast rattled buildings and roused people from sleep, leaving one injured and collapsing a half-constructed bridge in the island’s east.<\/p>\n
Earthquakes of 6.0 or more can prove deadly, although much depends on where they strike and at what depth.<\/p>\n
Taiwan experienced a quake of a similar magnitude in January when a 6.2 tremor hit the east coast. There was no widespread damage or injuries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Taipei, May 9 (AFP\/APP): A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan on Monday afternoon, according to the US Geological Survey, with buildings in capital Taipei sent swaying. The offshore quake hit just before 2:30 pm (0630 GMT) at a depth of 27 kilometres […]<\/p>\n
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