6.3-magnitude quake strikes off Taiwan's coast


TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan on Monday afternoon, the US Geological Survey said, with buildings in capital Taipei sent swaying.

AFP/ MANILA BULLETIN


Local television news said the shake was felt across the island, though there were no immediate reports of damage.

According to USGS, the offshore quake hit at a depth of 27 kilometres (17 miles), about 70 kilometres southwest of Yonakuni, a Japanese island just off Taiwan.

Taiwan and the surrounding area are regularly hit by earthquakes as they sit near the junction of two tectonic plates.

In March, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off Taiwan's eastern coast rattled buildings and roused people from their sleep, leaving one injured and causing a half-constructed bridge in the island's east to collapse.